Rochester Public Library Reference Book Not for Circulation Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

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Rochester Public Library Reference Book Not For Circulation Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

THE STORY

OF BROCKPORT

FOR

ONE-HUNDRED YEARS

1829—1929

AS TOLD BY

CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH MARTIN Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

FOREWORD

Late in the Fall of 1928 a preliminary committee was approved by the Village Board, and organized to make arrangements for a celebration c-f the hundredth anniversary in 1929 of the Village of Brockport. Afterwards for Eome reasons the committee was unable to function. One feature of the celebration was to have been a short history of the Village. Everything to mark the one hundredth anniversary having failed, the author was insistently urged to take up the matter of writing the history, and so just a year ago now the "Story" was begun. For—to allow the fading into oblivion of the achieve- ments of the founders, of the pioneers, and later men and women of the town, would be base ingratitude to those who through the years have made our town what it is today. Hence, the "Story" however imperfect. Disappointed in a number of plans as to financing, we had greatly feared a corner in the attic as its final des- tination. But—here it is to make its bow, and we hope that all its many readers will be pleased. The publishing has been accomplished through the hearty and most generous response by way of many subscribers, who will kindly accept our thanks and appreciation. While it is a story it isn't fiction but facts. The response to the request for these facts from descendants of the early settlers has been most gracious. Especial mention should be made of the value of the data given by Miss Helen Hastings, granddaughter of James Seymour, one of the founders; also extracts from letters recently brought to light from Thomas Roby who with James Seymour and his brother, W. H. Seymour, were the earliest business men. Mr. James Seymour, son cf W. K. Seymour, also furnished much interesting in- formation of the family and others. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

*. tfs$filab/e. d4^a»jgi£l hjjlp has been given also by Mrs. i*u^: 9rt)Cltfv5i$',;&Ja©Sd great-great granddaughter of Hiel Brockway, who also lives here. From earliest childhood, having been associated with families of descendants, the writer also had many memories to draw from. Not being a directory and also unable to learn facts in regard to many of the earliest settlers, names do not appear that otherwise would. We trust that readers will be pleased and critics lenient. The compilation has been fascinating and many thanks are due to all those who have so kindly helped. The Author. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

PART I

FROM INDIAN TRAILS TO VILLAGE CHARTER. APRIL 6th, 1829 INDIAN TRAILS From an unknown time in the misty past many roads from the south of us, picked out through the wilderness by Indian feet, led to the shores of Lake Ontario and crossed the historic "Ridge" at points east and west of us. This Ridge was in ancient geologic times the shore of Lake Ontario, and in early days of history was the route of stage coach travel. One of these Indian trails leading from Le Roy to the lake was a tremendous influence in the founding of Brockport. Our own "Lake Road" was known to the white man as early as 1803 and was much traveled. Where this trail crossed the Ridge a thriving enterprising little village had sprung up. It was named "Murray's Corners" and is referred to in history as the "most important business center west of the Genesee River." This village became the village of Clarkson. All about, the country now called the "Town of Swed- en," was settled by pioneers from the eastern section of the State. Little homes, saw mills and grist mills were being built by these pioneers, first tillers of the "Garden of New York State." These settlers of the Town of Sweden, their descendants and later settlers have contributed largely to the growth and prosperity of Brock- port. Of interest to the history of this locality, although not closely connected with Brockport's history, was the opening of the stage coach route in 1810. This historic event was commemorated on August 28, 1930 when a monument was unveiled at Gaines, north of Albion, to Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

recall the 1810 visit of the Governor De Witt Clinton to that place. This date marked the founding of the town of Gaines and the opening of the Ridge Road to stage coach travel, a time of great interest to the early settlers. This monument of Medina sandstone, obtained from the once famous quarries at Albion, was unveiled by Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt. Its headline inscription reads: "The Historic Ridge Road." A bronze tablet upon this monument bears the names of the pioneers of the town. Quite recently markers have been placed along the entire Ridge Road bearing the words "Old Ridge Road." The famous sandstone from the Albion quarries was, by the way, the building stone once largely used in this part of the State from here to Lockport. The original Academy building, now the State Normal School, was built of this stone. The fame of Western New York for wheat raising developed fast and attracted settlers from the East to the country south of Sweden and adjoining towns. Mill- ing and the grain business were great factors also in the settlement and growth of Brockport. As has been said previously, little groups of settlers were scattered over this region of the Town of Sweden. A number of houses had been built here as early as 1810, into one of which that same year moved a man from Quebec, Canada, named Thomas Bulkley. He married a young lady from the Town of Sweden, moved to Albion, then returned here after a few years. He was afterward Constable of Brockport for twenty years. He had three children, two daughters and one son, named Thomas. His oldest daughter, Mrs. Mary Cooper, is still living, a resident in the "Odd Fellows Home" at Lockport. His second daughter, Josephine, married one of the sons of Hiel Brock- way. Mrs. Cooper celebrated her 90th birthday in August 1931. ERIE CANAL To two men of almost prophetic vision does our beautiful village of Brockport owe its origin, Judge Forman and Judge Samuel Geddes, of the then straggling village of Syracuse, and also close friends, they must have had wonderful talks together. Each had the same vision of this great connecting link between the East through un- Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

broken wilderness to the Great Lakes in the West. In 1808 Judge Forman introduced into the Assembly at Albany a resolution for the construction of the Erie Canal. When the resolution had been passed Judge Geddes began the survey. These two men epitomized the "Spirit of the Times"—expansion, for the Erie Canal was the principal factor in the settling and development of New York State, raising it to its high position as the Empire State of our great United States. The Canal, also, it was, that caused New York City to become the second city of the world. The proposed building of the Canal aroused great opposition financially and became a great bone of con- tention politically. The War of 1812 likewise hindered the work. A man of political prominence and clear vision, De Witt Clinton, was its chief promoter. In 1817 he was elected Governor of New York State and through his influence the work on the Canal was begun the following year, and was pushed forward to completion in 1825. During construction it became known in common parlance as "Clinton's Ditch"; but until the opening of the Niagara Falls Railroad in 1851 or '52 the Canal was the only means of transportation from the East to the West, which was still an unknown wilderness. The only other means of travel was by horse and wagon over such highways as then existed. With no mechanical aid the entire Canal, four feet deep and forty-five feet wide, was dug by hand. The contractors who did the work had, with one exception never seen a canal. They had scant knowledge of the science of engineering. Great quanti- ties of stone must be blasted at Lockport; dirt must be removed by wheelbarrow or by horse and wagon. Against all of these tremendous odds the achievement of this stupendeous work was truly marvelous, and is a lasting monument to the clear vision of its builders. The success of the Canal aroused a perfect frenzy of enthusiasm, and Geddes was appointed to make a survey of seventeen more canals. He also made a survey for a state highway between New York and Buffalo which was afterward used as the route of the Niagara Falls Railroad. RALEIGH FAMILY Another name among the very earliest settlers on ths Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

future site of Brockport was that of Raleigh. This name may be traced back in records to Alexander Rollo (afterward changed to Raleigh). Rollo died in Middleton in 1809 and some of his descendants came to this part of the State. Arriving in a sleigh drawn by oxen, they purchased land for farming in the Town of Sweden. In 1811 Edmund Raleigh built a brick house on the site of the residence of the late Doctor Gleason. This house stood upon a rise of ground some eight feet above the street, its long line toward the front and very close to the fence. At its north and south ends were gables. In the grounds at the south of the house was a small building where the Raleighs, who were hatters by trade, for many years carried on their business. In this house Edmund Raleigh and his wife, Polly Wood, lived for about fifty years, and here were born to them seven children, some of the descendants of whom are still residents of this village. Mr. Raleigh's death occurred in 1863. The old house was demolished, the hill leveled to the present street level, and the little creek that ran at the foot of the hill, covered over some forty years ago by Doctor Gleason.

GEORGE ALLEN During the time of the Raleighs and while the settlement could hardly be called a village, there came here another man well known among the pioneers in Brock- port's history, from Troy in 1820, a young man named George Allen. He left in that city a flourishing tannery- business, lured to the "Far West" as Brockport was then regarded in Troy and Albany. He was a native of Fair- lield, Conn., one of the many New England pioneers who came to this vicinity. His first home was built by him on the site of the present Wilson Moore residence. This house he moved to Main Street some fifty years before the Moore residence was erected. Through his son the name of Allen became one of the leading ones of the village. BEFORE CANAL DAYS Even before the Canal project had formed in the minds of its promoters, people from the New England States and from eastern New York had begun to look toward Western New York as their Eldorado. No radio- Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

no telephone; no telegraph. How did they hear of the Genesee River with all its possibilities or of the unbounded area for agriculture? The soil of New England was too rocky for agriculture; those states were better •adapted to manufacturing, while eastern New York State "was better adapted to dairying. BEGINNINGS The enterprising men who had built up Clarkson had prophetic vision of the tremendous influence of the coming canal for the upbuilding of their village. They did all in their power to have its route directed nearer to Clarkson; but they were successful only, in having it brought to within a mile of the settlement. This sealed the fate of Clarkson's future, and at the same time opened the way for the future of Brockport. So, to the natural cause of the old Indian trail, and to the vision, pioneer spirit and perseverance of the men of Clarkson "we are indebted for our homes here. To two of these men had been given not only clear vision but keen business instinct as well. The success of the canal had been established; but the work of construction had been so difficult that the Commission planned for a temporary terminus at Rochester. In the spring of 1820 James Sey- mour and Hiel Brockway together with other prominent men persuaded the Commission to complete work as far as Brockport. New settlers were already flocking in from the East; land was increasing in price. Without waiting for the completion of the Western Division of the Canal, Brock- way and Seymour began to purchase land one mile from Clarkson Corners where the line of the Canal would cress the old Indian trail, or Lake Road. Brockway bought on the west side of this road about four hundred and fifty acres at thirteen dollars an acre. Seymour bought from the northeast corner of the same line south to what is now Market Street. The southeast corner was bought by Seymour and his two partners, Abel Baldwin and Myron Holley, south as far as Park's Farm (now South Avenue), in all two hundred forty-seven acres. The land on either side of the Lake Road (our Main Street) had been surveyed into building lots by Zenas Case in 1822, and building at once began. Thus Brock- Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

port, owing to its natural and artificial advantages, and to the broad and clear vision of its founders, had a splendid start. It would seem fitting at this point to give a short biographical sketch of each of these founders of the village. HEIL BROCKWAY Hiel Brockway was born at Clinton, Conn., in 1775. He was the son of Gamaliel and Azubah Brockway. About 1798 he married Phoebe Merrill. It is not known where they made their home before coming to this locality, but as records show that a daughter, Azubah, was born at Phelps, N. Y., it seems probable that the Brockways in migrating from New England had settled in the central part of New York State, just as so many others had done before pushing on to the West. The Brockways had thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters, all of whom were born before the family came here. In 1816 or '17 Hiel and his family arrived in Clarkson, and it was he who built the brick tavern on the southwest corner there. At that date Hiel Brockway was a man of about forty-eight years, in the prime of life. JAMES SEYMOUR James Ssymour was some years younger. He was a native of Litchfield, Conn., where he was born in 1791, the son of Samuel and Rebecca Osborn Seymour. He came to New York State in 1812 and entered the employ of his cousin, Henry Seymour, a merchant at Pompey Hill, Onondaga County. This cousin was the father of Horatio Seymour, afterward Governor of the State of New York. James Seymour arrived at Clarkson in 1817. The following year he married Mira A. Hill, daughter of Hiram Hill of Holley. The same year his brother, William Seymour, joined him at Clarkson and became a partner in his business which was general merchandising. They moved to Brockpoit in 1823. James was appointed first Sheriff of Monroe County and served for several years In 1827 he moved to Rochester, his brother William remaining in charge of the business here. James was cashier, and afterward president, of the first bank in Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

Rochester. When the bank's charter expired in 1846 or '47 he moved to Michigan where hs had made extensive purchases of wild lands which he wished to develop. In 1822, as before stated, Brockway began building. He was a man of broad views, indefatigable industry and with a gift for looking forward. These gifts he applied to the idea of the ultimate future building of Brockport. ^Dwelling houses built by him showed good "architectural expression, were well proportioned and contained magnificent rooms finished in fine woodwork. All were solidly built, even to the use of hewn trunks of trees for beams. The number of houses built by him is not exactly known, but it is certain that his work included two of the largest brick houses of the village. One of these became the Welch property at the corner of Main and Erie Streets, and the other was the now demolished brick house known as the "Adams House" that stood on a hill on Erie Street near the Welch corner and was never occupied by any but a Brockway or a descendant of a - Brockway. Both were originally built for wedding pres- ents for two of Brockway's daughters. The one on the corner was chosen by Maria who married Hon. E. B. Holmes; the one on the hill Azubah, who married Hon. Doctor Davis Carpenter, took for hers. So many brick houses were built that the Indians named the village, in their unpronounceable language, something that meant "'Red Village." And where did Hiel Brockway obtain the material for "building brick structures by the score? Not like the Israelites of old of bricks without straw, but of clay ready to be used. This clay was ready, available for use on the east side of the road a short distance north of Clarkson Corners. It is not known whether or not these clay beds were the reason for the earlier building of Clarkson, in 1804. It is known that the beds were owned by a man named Palmer from whom Brockv/ay must have obtained brick for the building of the tavern at Clarkson Comers. Already under the vigorous leadership of this man the village possessed a "boat yard." This was located at the north end of what is now Utica Street. To the building of boats was now added by Brockway the making of fcricks, or possibly the bricks may have been made before Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

the boats. At any rate the yards became known as the "brick and boat yards." Not all of the houses in the village, however, were built of brick. The frame house still standing at the northwest corner of Erie and Utica Streets, today the property of Mrs. J. Bailey, was built by Brockway. Tradition has it that he himself occupied this house and that it was inherited by his granddaughter, Loama Brown, whose mother was one of Hiel Brockway's daughters. Her marriage took place in the early fifties when she became the wife of J. W. Adams. In this house were born their two sons, Fred Adams, now of California, and the late James Adams of Brockport. This old Brockway house was sold after the death of Doctor Davis Carpenter, and the Adams family went to live in the house on the hill on Erie Street with Mrs. Adams' aunt, Mrs. Azubah Brockway Carpenter (widow of Dr. Carpenter). Here, after the death of the parents, the son, James Adams continued to live until his death, in 1929.

The Canal was, during all of this time, moving nearer and nearer. Rochester was becoming famous as a great milling center. And from New England and from eastern New Ycrk scores of people were flocking to these new sections now opening up for settlement and for future homes. No other small towns offered so many commercial advantages for these pioneers as did Brockport Brockpcrt was now on the map; the name was'given the village, by the mutual consent of the original purchasers in honor of the name of Brockway. By 1823 some streets had already had been laid out and named. Clinton Street was named from the Governor, Erie Street for the Canal, Fayette Street for General La Fayette, the "La" being later dropped. King Street was originally intended as an alley way to the rear of Clinton and Erie Streets- but that intention was afterward overcome. This ex* plains the unfortunate width of King Street, planned when there was so much land to spare. State and South Streets were early laid out, while Water and Union Streets met the same fate as King Street, only with a greater parsimony. While Brockway and Seymour wer* good business friends, there was some idiosyncrasies in the make-up of the two men that caused them to dis Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

agree about the starting point of the streets of the village. Thus, of all the village streets, only State and Erie Streets cross Main Street at the same point. The Lake Road had now become known as Main Street; north of the Canal bridge it became North Main, and, after the building of the Niagara Palls Railroad bridge in the early fifties, the part south of that point became South Main. The intersection of East and West Avenues, (the old Town Line) with the Lake Road was named for one of Brockway's sons-in-law, "Wilkie's Corners." The house at the southwest corner there, now owned by Thomas C. Gordon, was in all probability, built by this son-in- law.

While laying out streets the original owners did not forget to reserve liberally plots of ground for church and school buildings. Brockway gave the land for the Aca- demy Building, now the State Normal School, which was to be "kept for all time for the children of Brockport." Land was also given for the "West District School" (now the Grammar School). This land, it was stipulated, was to revert to Brockway heirs if it was not used for school purposes. Brockway was also the donor of what is known as the "Little red brick school house" at the southwest corner of Erie and Perry Streets. The site for the Baptist Church Brockway also gave. On the east side of Main Street the lands given by James Seymour included the site for the Presbyterian Church and probably for the First Methodist Church. The latter was built on Market Street. The site of the East District School was owned by Brockway and was sold to the village by his widow. As pioneers do not have much leisure time, it seemed never to have occurred to these two men to set aside land for a public park. So the little triangular plot that belonged to the Cooley estate, at the south end of Park Avenue, is the only "park" in the village. Fourth of July celebrations and similar gatherings were held on the grounds of the old Academy. By this time business stores on Main Street were also under way, especially at the north side of the route of the Canal where provision must be made for docks and Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

stores for the approaching Canal traffic. A Canal Col- lector's office was also built a little east of the bridge. >This building, the property of James Cornes who inherited it from his father, Thomas Cornes, has recently collapsed due to its age. These docks and stores were reached by stone stairways at each end of the bridge on the south side cf the Canal. On the northwest corner a block was built which was in the early days called the American Kctel. Another block was erected on the northeast corner; both were built with basements opening onto the dock. Thomas Cornes established a meat market at the southeast side of the bridge, its doorway leading directly out upon the dock and reached from the street by a stairway. Many other buildings were erected, the history of which is lost in the past. By 1325 the Canal had been complete with the exception of the locks at Lockport. Freight could now be shipped from Buffalo Creek to the Hudson River with only a short land haul at the famous locks at Lockport. Early in June cf that year, LaFayette, then the guest of the nation, was conducted by stage from Lewiston to Lockport where he was welcomed with immense enthusiasm. That day he was escorted to the foot of the locks where a fine new passenger packet was waiting to take him to Rochester. Plere another grand celebration for the General was planned. One can imagine what excitement must have spread through our village" when probably at about dusk, this great hero of the Revolution passed beneath Main Street bridge.. He stood with hat in hand leaning upon his cane and was accompanied bv his son, George Washington LaFayette, and by the "dele- gation who had been sent to escort him to Rochester" The boat was drawn by four beautiful horses hitched in tandem fashion. The party did not travel farther that night than Greece, where they spent the night at^Kin^s Basin. The next morning they made their triumDhal entry into Rochester. All this might have seemed enoueh to happen in the space of one year; but, the following October, the Canal was formally opened with celebra. tions which lasted over a week. These included th passage cf the official party, which included Govern™ Clinton, from New York City to Buffalo. Stops w ~~made all along the route for banquets and speech Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection~~

The picturesque feature of the occasion was the tele- graphing of the news of the departure of the flotilla, led by the packet boat "Young Lion from the West" from Buffalo. This was done by the firing of cannon, gun answering gun all along the way. What excitement there must have been in Brockport when the Governor's boat (the "Young Lion") came swinging around the curve a little to the west of the Canal bridge bound on its east- ward voyage.

EARLY BUSINESS MEN The Canal gave our village a splendid start. No small town anywhere could have had better commercial advantages. We began to share at once in the tremendous volume of business that this wonderful new waterway was bringing to the erstwhile wilderness of Western New York State. It was, indeed, bringing the same volume of business to the eastern and central parts of the State. Our village was one of the first of those ro- mances of expansion and progress which characterized the building up of the West. And the "West" at that time, of course, began in Western New York.

Rochester, already famous as a milling center, was the market for all of the surrounding country. Brockport, with the aid of Blodgetts Mills could if we are not mis- taken, grind its own flour. At any rats, two young men who started business here in the fall of 1823 received into their storehouse for shipment three hundred barrels of flour for which they expected a commission of not over six cents per barrel. These two young men were from Hanover, New Hampshire, and their names were Thomas Rcby and Ralph Gould. The former had come first, alone, to look over the land. Friends in Albany had advised him to consider some place in Onondaga County near the salt works, which were very profitable. But the country around Syracuse did not appeal to him, so he continued his journey to Rochester, finding that place all and more than it had been described. He then passed along to the place called Brockport where, after mature deliberation, he decided to locate. So he sent for Gould who came on at once. He approved the situation and they rented a store and warehouse. They at once made Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

a flying return trip East to buy a stock of goods on feredit. Tbolnas Roby wrote several letters from Brockport in tiacse eariiest days to his father and sisters in the home town in New Hampshire. These, long preserved, have but recently come to light. But Roby was not a good reporter. Pioneer life has a freshness and novelty, a racy flavor, little of which do his letters convey to us. One could wish that he had been more definite and less brief.! However we learn from his letters that, in October, 1823, Brockport had a "number of houses, and four stores, mostly of brick." The letter states: "Our store, the one I engaged, is in one end of a neat brick building, well finished, and I may say, well filled. It has a good chamber over it which we have not had the pleasure of occupying as it is newly plastered. The storehouse ]j spoke of in a former letter is situated about twenty rods? distant on the Canal bank, at which we have a com--- modious place for the reception of merchandise." Log cabins are not mentioned by Roby. If any existed they were eclipsed by stone houses and those of brick.

In 1823, when James and William Seymour moved! their business from Clarkson, they built a brick block on the present site of the Decker building. Here they opened a store for general merchandise and for grain! They also built a warehouse on the bank of the Ctinall After James Seymour moved to Michigan, William Sey- mour had as his partner Hollister Lathrop, who lived in a brick house which stood on the site of the present Frank Hebbard residence on Main Street. The Lathrop house was later sold to Nathan Fisk of Hamlin some time during the sixties. Fisk lived to the age of ninety being killed in his own yard where he was crushed between a coal wagon and the house. The present Sev~ mour house was built in 1826 by Pelitiah Rogers. Rogers had come to Brockport in 1824 with his brother Thi Seymour house has been remodeled since the early davs Rogers also built the two frame houses on the northwest and southwest corners of Park Avenue. The house the northwest corner was owned by a family from N ** York named Gardener. They lived here for many yeaT in the summer, spending the winters in New York Cit Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

Peiitiah Rogers, with his family consisting of a wife and several daughters, moved from Brockport to Wisconsin in the early thirties. It was then that William Seymour bought the Rogers property, and in 1833 brought to this home his wife who was a niece of Pelitiah Rogers. She had come here a few years before from Columbia County. Mrs. William Seymour had the distinction of having been, before her marriage, the first village schoolmistress after ths village was incorp crated in 1829. William H. Seymour became associated early in the forties with Dayton Morgan, under the name of Seymour and Mor- gan, in the manufacture of plows and stoves and afterward McCormick reaping machines. He remained in this business until advanced age compelled his retirement. Mr. Seymour's one hundredth birthday was celebrated in their spacious home and beautiful grounds by a large and brilliant reception. The guests included not only Mr. Seymour's townsmen, but many from other towns. The Seymours had five children, three sons and two daughters. The older son, H. W. Seymour, served a •number of terms as United States Senator from Michi- gan, also State Senator in Michigan. James, the younger sen, still makes Brockport his home where he spends his summers in the old family mansion of so long ago. His winters are spent in California. Mrs. Helen Seymour Sylvester, the daughter, died a number of years ago.

RALPH GOULD Ralph Gould, Thomas Roby's friend from Hanover, New Hampshire, and his first business partner, married a Miss Ganson whose brother, Joseph Ganson, came here .from Rochester and who figured largely in the early history of the village. He appears to have been of a .somewhat changeable disposition. He engaged first in a foundry business, the site of which is not now remembered. After Gould severed his business connection with Roby, the firm became known as Ganson and Gould. Ralph Gould either built, or had built for him, the house •en State Street now owned by the heirs of the late Julius Lester. The lot upon which this house stood extended from the Seymour property line on the east to the Pres- •byterian Church on the west. The Gould's had five •children, three sons and two daughters. The oldest Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

daughter married Doctor Cowles of Elmira who founded the first Woman's College in the United States and who served at its head until his death. Ralph Gould died rather early in the history of the village. His widow continued to reside here until after the marriage of both daughters, when she sold the property to a Mr. Colby. He remodeled it to its present style, and at his death, his widow sold it to Julius Lester. Thus this property has had but three owners in all the years since the late twenties of 1800. In recalling Mr. Gould it is said that so well was his Christian character known, that when the Presbyterian Church was organized in 1828, he was received into membership without letter from his former church in Hanover, N. H., which had been late in arriving. He was later one cf the ruling Elders of this church. HENRY R. GOULD Henry R. Gould, a brother of Ralph Gould, moved here two years later and engaged in the produce business. He was also Postmaster for a number of years. He had two sons, one of whom married Miss Abbie Barry, daughter cf William Barry, who was one of the earliest to enter the commission and produce business. Henry R. Gould was also one of the early Elders of the Presbyterian Church where he served for fifteen years. He with his family lived in the home now owned by Mrs Fenrv Bushnell. JOSEPH GANSON Joseph Ganson, the brother of Mrs. Ralph Gould appears prominently in business, as we have seen. After Roby and Gould dissolved partnership we see him listed in a new firm, Ganson and Gould. Thomas Roby est-b lished the first bank in the village with Ganson"a~ cashier. About 1828, Ganson with two other men fro Rochester opened a foundry business, the building in this being located back of the present site of St T uJp. .episcopal Church. It is not recorded how long G~ans S was with this firm, but it is known that he fimr^ prominently among the business pioneers. JAMES PLATT GARDINER James Platt Gardiner, another pioneer business man Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

came here from Steventown at the age of four years. His people crossed the Genesee River by ford on their journey thither. In 1833 he married a Miss Jackson and brought his bride to a home on Clinton Street, which was at that date an important street. By occupation he was a blacksmith, and it was he who made the greater and most important part of the iron work used by Hiel Erockvray in his boat building. JOSHUA FIELD Joshua Field, a native of Guilford, Conn., was one of five men cf Clarkson, including Brockway, Seymour, Baldwin and Holley, who were the pioneer builders of the village. His share consisted of two stone blocks at about the spot where the furniture store of A. V. Fowler is now located. These stone blocks served as both dwelling houses and stores, the entrances to the dwellings .being en the first floor of the two-story buildings. Be- sides being a builder Joshua Field also engaged in grain and produce activities. His first wife was Miss Lydia "Tcwle cf Clarkscn. Of this marriage there were two daughters, one of whom married Josiah Harrison. Mr. Field's second wife was Miss Betsy Heath of Brockport. The only child by this marriage was Miss Lydia Field. JOSIAH HARRISON Jesiah Harrison came to the village from New Jersey -seme time in the thirties. He also took part in the building activities of the town. At the southeast corner of Main and Market Streets he built the structure for many years used as a hotel by "Jack Getty" (as he was always called) which hotel was known as the Getty House. Harrison was also interested in the grain and produce business with his father-in-law, Joshua Field. He also at one time operated a hat and cap business. For many years the postoffice was located in one of his trick stores. He had three daughters and two sons, one of whom Henry Harrison, is still living here and is engaged in the produce business as his father and grandfather were before him. He has also represented his district in the New York State Legislature. Later ha was President of the local board of the Normal School; mem- ter of Draft Board in the World War, and Collector of Customs at the Port of Genesee. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

A. W. CAREY A. W. Carey came to the village from Fairfield, Conn., about 1819. He was the builder of the brick house on Erie Street lately occupied by the R. L. and B. trolley- station. This old colonial style house still retains a- beautifully carved walnut door which has been much. coveted by antique hunters. As soon as the town was ready for it Mr. Carey opened a manufactory for rotary- pumps in a building standing where is now the warehouse of the Fruit Association of Brockport. At the opening of the canal Mr. Carey opened a hotel at the. northwest side of the waterway. This business he continued until the packet lines on the canal gave way to- the Niagara Palls Railroad which began operations about 1851 ox '52. In later years Mr. Carey owned a hardware store which afterward was conducted by his son-in-law, Augustus Brainard. The business was continued by him until purchased by A. T. Wells. A. W. Carey had three; children, Clinton, Henry and Helen. The two sons became contractors in New York City where they were engaged in the contracts for many cross town streets of the city. ROSWELL SMITH was another pioneer of the early twenties, although the exact date of his coming to Brockport is not recorded.. Mr. Smith, was a native of Saint Albans, Vermont, where he was born in 1781. His wife was a native of Troy, and was born about 1784, her maiden name being Elizabeth. Pomeroy. She was educated at the Emmard Willard School in that city. In the very early days of the village Mr. Smith operated a grist mill located at the southwest corner of Gordon and State Streets. This mill wag operated by pov/er derived from the springs under- neath Spring Street, of which there are several. This mill was built probably in the early forties and was quite a pretentious building. Two residents of the village can. still remember it. James Seymour and James Cornea both recall going to it with the latter's father, Thomas Cornes. Mr. Smith purchased considerable land in that part of the village, and it was he who laid out Serins* Street, and named it. His home was the only house on this street for many years. His daughter, Sarah was educated at the famous Emmard Willard School for Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

Young Ladies at Troy. This daughter married Robert Steele of Clarkson and went to live in the Smith home on Spring Street. Here two of her daughters still reside. One of her sons, George Steele, is at present Postmaster of Brockport. A granddaughter of Roswell Smith has gained fame as an illustrator. She is the well-known Jessie Wilcox Smith of Philadelphia, whose illustrations cf children for many magazines are well known. CALVIN C. LYMAN Calvin C. Lyman was another very early purchaser of land in and near the village. His first purchase after his arrival here from his former home in Hartford, Conn., was a strip of land beginning at the corner of Market Street and Park Avenue and extending north probably to East Avenue. He built a house on the northwest corner of the property facing Park Avenue, a large corner which was cut off by a spur of the New York Central Railroad. Lyman Street was en his land and is named for him. He was prominent in civic affairs and was also a member of the local board of the Brockport Collegiate Institute. He died in 1868. His eldest daughter, Emily, married Charles Perry, son of Doctor Perry of Clarkson.. A granddaughter, Clara Perry, married Burton H. Avery, who was one of the grandsons of a very old settler of Sweden Center. Lyman Avery, son of Mr. and Mrs. Burt- on Avery, is named for his great-grandfather. He is at present stationed with the flying corps of the U. S. Navy where he holds the rank of lieutenant. JAMES MINOT At about the time that the canal was completed, this man then a resident of Bristol, N. H., financed two brothers, Peter and John Swett, setting them up in the produce business in the village. They were unsuccessful in the business, so, in 1827, James Minot sent his son, Jonas, on from Bristol to investigate matters. No record cf this exists, but at any rate Peter and John Swett transferred their activities to the building business in which they surely made a great success. It was they who built the double houses the south side of which is. now occupied by the Misses Mary and Electa Minot. These houses have never but once been occupied by any but a Minot or some of his descendants. One side of Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

the house was at one time occupied for one year by a Dr. Acker of Rochester. The north side of the house was bought by Doctor Horace Clark who died in 1872, when it passed into the hands of the late Morton Minotj and in it his family still live. Jonas Minot was the first importer of coal stoves and coal in the village. He also* at one time had a clothing store. He was twice married having by his first marriage three children, James, Bart- lett, and another child who died in infancy. His second wife was a sister of the late Levi P. Morton, Vice Pres- ident of the United States in the administration of Ben- jamin Harrison. There were five children by the second marriage, cf whom the Misses Electa and Mary Minot .still live in the ancestral home. The late Morton Minot, a sen, served as financial secretary to his uncle, Levi P. .Morton, until the latter's death. THOMAS CORNES One of the mest enterprising of Brockport's pioneers -was an Englishman, Thomas Cornes. Whether or not lie came directly to Brockport from England is not known, cr whether he came here from the East of the United States. He was both owner of a meat market and Collector of Canal customs. His market opened for convenience upon the Canal docks, just east of his market being the office where canal customs were received. His name appears on all early records cf civic and school boards, showing his enterprising spirit. He had five children, one daughter and four sons, one of whom is still a resident of Brockport. He is deeply interested in the old time history of the village of which cccasionally he writes. JEROME FIELDING Jerome Fielding was no doubt the earliest of artists ini Brockport. There are still some specimens of his work remaining here, mostly portraits which evidence a eooS deal of natural ability, but show lack of artistic finislv He lived in a very old style house opposite the Presbyter' aan Church which must have been built before the tw-n ties. The gable ends were east and west with two fronh doors opening directly into the two front rooms Thi* house was torn down many years ago. Many of the KM portraits were painted upon wood. The pictures of Hiel Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

~~Erockway, and Dr. and Mrs. Carpenter (Azuba Brock- way) which were in the Adams house were painted upon. vrood. These pictures were given to the D. A. R. when the Adams house was sold to the Grange.~~

The portrait of Hiel Brockway as frontis-piece was painted on wood by Jerome Fielding and loaned by the State Normal School to whom it was given by the late James Adams, great-grandson of Hiel Brockway. It was photographed by H. R. Aldrich especially for the "Story." ANTHONY J. BARRIER had come to Brockport early in life, and early in the history of the village, from Philadelphia. He grew up with the village of Brockport. He was a courtly man, highly respected, and occupied many positions of trust in the Baptist Church of which he was a member. In the late seventies, he entered into partnership with Wil- liam Page in the coal business which they continued for some years. Mr. Barrier died in the early nineties.

AUSTIN HARMON Another native of Vermont became an early resident of Brockport when in 1823 Austin Harmon came here, to make his home. Mr. Harmon established the business most appropriate to his native state, a Marble and Granite Works. This business was established in the early days and was continued by Austin Harmon all of his life. He served for many years as Justice of the Peace. His home on Market Street, just east of the present Marble Works v/as built by N. P. Pond. He also vras the builder of the house on Monroe Avenue just west of the present Catholic grounds. This house v/as occupied by a Mr. Bliss whose daughter became the wife of Austin Harmon. To them were born two children, a son, George, in 1852, and a daughter, Harriet. The son succeeded to his father's business at his death. In 1899 he was elected Postmaster and served until his death in 1910 His unexpired term was finished by his son, George Harmon Jr. He also succeeded to the business of his father and grandfather. Thus the business of Austin, Harmon has been continued on the same location through three generations. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

SOME BUSINESS CUSTOMS Whiskey, an indispensable article in these early days T/as eighteen cents per gallon, and drinks of "old rye' were three cents. Merchants found it necessary to keep it to treat their customers; grocery men kept it as an article as important in their trade as coffee or sugar. The best wheat at that time sold at 50 to 75 cents; oats for 25 cents; corn for 31V2 cents a bushel. Pork and beef .sold at $2.50 to $4.00 per hundred. Mechanics received from $1.00 to $1.50 a day. Common laborers received $12 a month. Articles of foreign production were expensive, and these of home production were cheap.

ROADS Our first roads were mere wagon tracks through the woods. Where the ground was fairly level all that had to be done was to bridge the streams and drain them -where necessary. In some places, of course, swamps called for more elaborate treatment. The Lake Road south of the village limits was kept improved by having each farmer work on it for a certain time instead of pay- ing a road tax. But the Lake Road north of the village -was a turnpike or toll road, and was built and kept in order by a chartered company cf private citizens Ee- tv/een 1820 and 1330 the turnpike movement reached its peak and New York State led all others in it. Most df the turnpikes cf the State were in the East branching out from towns along the Hudson River. So far aTwe icnow our plank roads, which began with a toll gate It the northern limits of Brockport and extended W about five miles to where the ?iliage Of Sun w ing settled, was the only turnpike in the western the county. The toll gate and its plank road wS ished about 1870. Another highway pawed Brockport which was built by the State fTin law was passed authorizing the building of a state between Rochester and Lockport alone the pnn«i Canal and this state highwaV wei"thetl^aj^ transportation and travel until the completiono?\Z TJiagara Falls Railroad in 1852. The contractor^ho bum the road through Brockport lived during thV Hf £ t the house now occupied by Geor^^^.*!™ ^ Street All the sidewalks during the earl^a's werr ? Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

gravel. Sometime during the "10's the canal bridge hill at north Main Street was lowered and the stationery bridge- was replaced by a lift bridge. Up to that time Main Street had been paved with cobble stones. The work of reconstructing the roadway was given to M. A. Cleveland. who had at that time just come to the village, and who had been engaged in important construction jobs, among others the Welland Canal. A few years ago the road bed of Main Street v/as again reconstructed when it became part of the Million Dollar Highway, one of the very important thoroughfares of the State, a far cry frcm the road of early days. SOME OLD HOUSES The old fashioned brick house which once stood en the site of the present Dr. Hazen residence was built by Hiel Brockway. It was never occupied by him but was- given to his son, Charles, as part of a farm that began at Monroe Avenue and extended to the Fourth Section.

The enly brick house on Holley Street formerly facing on Main Street was built by one of the village pioneers- named Hyde. A gravel walk bordered with box reached to Main Street. Later, two lots having been sold from the east side and houses erected on them, the interior- cf this house was changed so as to bring its front entrance on Holley Street. To this house William H. Sey- mour took his bride in 1833. They occupied it until about 1844 or '45 when he bought the present Seymour residence from its builder, Pelitiah Rogers, Mrs. Seymour's. uncle. There is no record of the names of the builders of the houses known as the "Convent" and the first Parochial School. This was formerly owned by M. M. Sadler, and was built far back from the street, gravel walks with box borders leading to it. Almost all lawns of the old; houses were box bordered, no matter what length were the walks leading to the streets. One sees these no more; the rubbish heap received them all with the exception! of those in the Seymour yard. They are still preserved. there in a formal garden very pleasing to the eye. On the northwest corner of Erie and Utica Streets is. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

the house built by Hiel Brockway himself and in which he lived. He willed this house to his daughter Mrs. Brown, and it afterward passed on to her daughter, the wife of J. W. Admas. Two houses on the west side of this are built on the original lot. The house on the farm on Holley Road, long known, as the "Uplands" and now the property of Mr. Edwin L. Matthews, was also built by Brockway. The year after it was built it was sold to Orlando Gardner and was occupied by him until the death of his family. A sloni of Orlando Gardner lived in the frame house east of the Uplands, now the property of Frank Otte, and here his death occurred in 1909. Another old house familiarly known as the "Burlin- game place" was the work of Hiel Brockway. It was sold by him to the Baldwins, an early pioneer family of the village. VILLAGE CHARTER April 6th, 1829 was a great day for Brcckport, for on that day the Village Charter was granted, and the thriving settlement became an incorporated village with proper officers. The early records which would have contained the names of these officers were destroyed by fire, so their names are not known. Again in 1852 this Charter was remodeled and a Board of five Trustees constituted the village government until the adopting of the present Charter in June, 1872. The date of this Charter was June 25 of that year. The first officers under the new Charter were Luther Gordon, President; George H. Allen, Edgar Brown and Samual Johnston, Trustees; J. H. Kingsbury, Treasurer; W. G. Raines, Clerk.

~~It is possible there may have been a grand celebration on April 6, 1829, but we do not know.~~

!! knowihat there wa* s^ong competition and y during these early days of the incorporated village of Brockport. Thomas Roby wrote a letter home in which he stated that Gould and he had "five otherTrma competing with them, one of which was SeymourSS •Company." He also said that business was conduced ™J Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

a different way from "back East." One had to exert one& self more, use more push. They were making money fast; but to do it meant "Good-bye Leisure." Since 1855, 23 have served as treasurers, George Bene- dict 12 years; John Kingsbury 11 years; John R. Davis fr years; served first term 5 years, 1S12-1917. James Bren— nan present treasurer, elected second term, 1929. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

PART II BUSINESS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES AFTER CHARTER THROUGH CENTURY WARS—POST OFFICE PHYSICIANS The first physician in Brockport was Andrew Millican "who began his practice in 1823. Dr. Davis Carpenter was the second, beginning practice in 1824. For over? half a century he v/as practicing physician here, until his death which occurred in the early '70's. Another of the very earliest physicians was Dr. Theoph- ilus Randall. His daughter became the wife of Dr. Horace Clark. Dr. Randall's wife was a daughter of Dr. Elihu Allen, a non-resident of Brockport. Dr. Horace Clark and his twin brother, Dr. Augustus, came to the village in the late '50's. The latter occupied the old stone house on College Street. Dr. Horace Clark moved at the time of his marriage into the north side of the double Minot home. He had two daughters, Amelia! •and Evaline. The latter was married to Dr. William B? JVEann in 1865. Dr. Mann had served in the Navy during the Civil War from 1861 to 1865 as surgeon. Most of his service was on the gunboat "Miami" in the Gulf of Mexico. He was at Hampton Roads during the battle of the Monitor and Merrimac. Dr. Mann had six children of whom Dr. H. J. Mann was the oldest, and is the fifth in line of physicians in his family. By reason of his length of practice in Brockport he becomes Dean of the present fine staff of doctors of the village. He sprv in the World War as Captain in the U. S. Army and Surgeon at Camp Mills Detention Camp. Dr H J has recently been elected Post Commander of aires with the title of U. S. R. M. C.

~~26 Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection~~

EARLY LAWYERS The first lawyer in Brockport was Mr. Bender who came in 1823. The first to practice here was Mr. Storms, and the next was Mr. Burroughs. Jerome Fuller came from Litchfield, Conn, and settled in Brockport in 1835 and he early gained a high reputation at the Bar. Henry P. Norton was also one of the early prominent lawyers, coming here in the early thirties.

Brockport has been ably represented both in State and National legislation. In 1833 Levi Pond was elected to the State Legislature by the Anti-Masonic party, and in 1837 H. P. Norton was elected to the same office. In 1856 he was elected Surrogate of Monroe County. In 1844 one of Brockport's ablest business men, E. B. Holmes, was elected to Congress after a heated campaign. He was Representative of the 28th District and was re- elected ten years after, having served honorably to both himself and his constituents. In 1853 Dr. Davis Car- penter, who had a large medical practice, was elected Member of Congress from this District. He acquitted himself with integrity of purpose and was true to the principles of the party who elected him. In 1847 Mr. Fuller was elected to the State Senate where he became ! distinguished as a statesman. In 1850 he moved to Al- bany and established a State Register, a political paper which he conducted for a year. He was then appointed Chief Justice of Minnesota. In 1852 he returned to this village and resumed the practice of law. In 1867 he was elected Delegate to the State Convention. In the fall of the same year he was chosen to the Judgeship of Monroe County, serving a term of four years with eminent distinction. He was re-elected in 1871 for a term of six years.

Daniel Holmes was one of the early lawyers who came to the village when a young man, from Aliens Hill, and continued to practice until an advanced age. H. P. Norton was contemporaneous with Daniel Holmes although he began practice somewhat sooner. He was rather eccentric, but an able lawyer and a staunch H-hurchman. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

BANKS The first bank in Brockport was opened by Thomas Roby and was located on the east side of Main Street in the Field Block. In 1840 or '41 he sold to John E. Nichols who became President of the bank and moved its site to the block on the west side of Main Street owned by E. B. Holmes. This firm was followed by James S. Thomas and Thomas Plandrau as cashier who remained until some time in the sixties. The bank building which they bought of E. B. Holmes was later on. bought by Abram Smith and the floor made level with the street. This location has ever since been used for a bakery business and is now owned by Frank Covert. The First National Bank block was begun by Luther Gordon, Sr. in 1873 or '74. This building was used until April, 1927 when a new building was begun and was formally opened January, 1928. This building was erected under the supervision of Thomas C. Gordon, president of the bank. STATE BANK In 1301 the private bank of Minot and Crippen was opened. This was changed into a State Bank in 190T with Dean Crippen as President. HOTELS There seems to be no record except tradition of the first hotels, but at least as early as the finishing of the Erie Canal through the village, which was by 1826, and by the time the Main Street bridge had been built, there were two hotels in the village. These were at the north approach to the bridge, one on either side of the street. The one on the east side belonged to Samuel Kingsbury, and the one on the northwest corner to A. W. Cary. The American Hotel was built probably some time in the forties and has continued to function until quite recently. The Germains, father and son in succession, were proprietors for many years. From the early sixties. "Jack" Getty was the proprietor, first of a hotel on jthe southeast side of Main and Market Streets, and later 5for many years of one at the corner of Main and Railroad Streets. Still later, the "Heinrich House" opened, al^ng with some smaller hotels near the railroad station n- Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

eluding the "Lark Inn," so named for its owner James Larkin. Quite recently the "Casa Loma" opened in the spacious house formerly the home of the late Mr. Shan- non at the corner of Main and College Streets. The old fashioned hosteleries have become only memories. WARS The young men of Brockport have all been loyal to the call of their country. When the first shot was fired at Fort Sumter that echoed round the world, they were ready to shoulder arms and lay down their lives for the cause of the Union. John Burns, father of the late J. D. Burns, was the first volunteer. It brings a sob to the throat to now see so few of the Grand Army of the Republic riding through the streets on Memorial Day. In the Cuban War and in the recent World War the same loyal spirit was manifested by the young men of Brockport which was also shared by the young women who went as workers in the Y. W. C. A. whose names are mentioned elsewhere. There were left on Memorial Day, May 30th, 1931, of Cady Post the following veterans: James P. Comes, Commander, 1863-1866; William H. Mockford, 1863-1865; Edward Stamp; Theodore Johnston, 1862-1865, lost a leg at Antietam; Sylvester Merrill, 1364- 13S5; William Shoals; Roland Houghton, 1862-1865, now in his Dlst years (1931). FIREMEN The first Brockport fire company was called "No. 1" and was organized July 9, 1832 with thirty-four members. It was disbanded November 10, 1835. From that date until 1862 or 1863, eleven different companies were organized and disbanded. Among the Chiefs of these numerous companies we find the names of Dr. Davis Carpenter, Henry Bachus, George H. Allen and A. F. Brainard. The fire department was kept up in effective woitking order until about 1862 or '63 when the engines becoming well worn out, all the companies were disbanded. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

After a very disastrous fire in the late seventies, ant entirely new fire department was organized of which George Herbsrt Raymond, now of Buffalo, was the chief promoter. This new order of firemen proved a most efficient body of men in fire protection. Their annual par- ades in their neat uniforms accompanied by stirring" music from our fine bands always drew thrilled crowds. In late years, with Old Ontario from which to draw un- limited water, and still later with the help of the wonderful chemical inventions, our volunteer fire companies' have been most successful. The original fire companies organized about 1876 included the Silsby's, The Huntley Steamer, the Harrison Hose, and the Dewey Hooks, or "Protectives." The "Ccpen Hose Company" was soon after organized. Our fire companies have been most efficient in the fighting of the great foe, Fire, and in fire protection. All honor to our gallant fire laddies. JOHN LATTA John Latta came to this village from Greece in the early thirties. He built the house belonging to the late Morris Rapalee and afterward built and lived in the house across the street belonging to the late William Connely. He was engaged in a tanning business located on the site of the former Gordon Lumber Yard. Tradi- tion says that opposite this tannery was a grist mill near the north end of Gordon Street which was run by water power from the springs under Spring Street. At the closing of the tannery business, Mr. Latta opened a shoe store at the corner of Main and Water Streets in which business he continued until his death. He was followed by his son, Frank Latta, who likewise continued in the shoe business until his death. When the new M. E. Church v/as completed John Latta bought the old Meth- odist Church building on Market Street and remodeled it into a block for business or residence. He also built a frame building for the same purpose. He lived to the age of ninety years. He had one son and two daughters, of whom the oldest, Mrs. Mary Snider, is still living a^t the age of ninety-four years. GEORGE R. WARD One of the most public-spirited of the village's bus:- Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

iness men, dating back to the forties, was George R. Ward, who was then a clerk in the general merchandising store of Lathrop and Gould, our earliest merchants. Later Mr. Ward opened a grocery store which he conducted very successfully. In 1860 or '61 he rebuilt the block known as the "Opera House Block" which had been destroyed by fire. This supplanted the old "Concert Hall" for all kinds of entertainments until recent years, when it in turn was supplanted by the "Strand" built by W. N. Winslow. Mr. Ward's first wife was a daughter of Aaron Palmer, an inventor and manufacturer. His second wife, the late Mrs. Dewey, was the daughter of Hon. Dudley Root of Sweden. There was one son, Bert Ward, whose gift as a comedian may be remembered. Mr. Ward had as partner in his grocery business John Hubbard, their store being located in the basement of the present postoffice building sometime about the years 1855 and '56.

WILLIAM MARTIN About 1830 or '31 there passed through Brockport an Englishman with his beautiful young wife and infant son, to the far West, Michigan, where with a partner, he had purchased the township where the city of White Pigeon is now located. He was born in Seven Oaks in 1794. At the time Mr. Martin left England he was a wholesale grocer in London. For years there had been a great deal of agitation in England over the custom of "tytheing," a tax imposed by both Church and State, a heavy burden to both England and Ireland. There is yet a letter preserved in the family, written to Mr. Mar- tin from Paris in 1826 asking him to present a petition to Parliament for its abolishment. He had some years before presented a petition in regard to the currency. This Frenchman says: "It is dishonorable that the greatest commercial state in the world should have only a paper and not a metal currency." So, tired of waiting for these two political measures to be regulated, he left England for the "Land of Liberty." Somewhere between Albany and Brockport, on their way to Michigan, a man with small pox had been removed to the tow-path from a packet that was immediately preceeding the one upon which the Martin family were travelling "to the Far West." A floating germ of the dread disease attacked Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

the little son. When the boat was nearing this village, the father seeing that they must stop, they disembarked and found quarters in the hotel at the east approach to the Main Street bridge which was kept at that time by Samuel Kingsbury, father of the late John Kingsbury. The father took care of his little son during the six weeks of its illness, of which no one in the hotel knew. These were the days before vaccination, but no none) in the hotel took; the disease. The oc- cupants of the hotel thought that the Martin family were "awfully queer people." At the end the proprietor thanked them and was very grateful for their "queerness." Arriving finally in Michigan with his partner Mr. Martin started business on a large scale, furnish- ing a large general store in connection with farming. The Englishman was attacked with violent fever and ague; was unable to attend to business affairs; suffered weeks and months of prostrating illness. His partner proved to be a villain and decamped with stock, equip- ment and all business papers. Continued illness, di- minishing means of support, made it necessary for the family to dispose of their household goods brought from England in order to buy their daily food. Indian tribes passed and repassed their door, walking in as they chose although never molesting them.

Family history lapses and we find them living at Sandy Creek, a flourishing little village and a famous place in those days for dancing parties after sleigh rides by the residents of Brockport. Later they moved to this village where for many years Mr. Martin was bookkeeper both in the firms of Ganson & Gould and of Thomas Roby. Afterward for a long time he served in the same capacity for the Huntley Bowman & Company, reaper manufacturers, and later a member of a number of succeeding firms as financial secretary, until the business was sold to the Johnston Reaper Manufacturing Company. Al- though Mr. Martin left England for greater freedom of action, he found himself unable to renounce allegiance to Queen Victoria. Hence he was never naturalized. For eight years a lawsuit was earned against the defaulting partner, but was unavailing. Broken in spirit from life's cruel vicissitudes and years of illness, Mr. Martin died Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

in 1874. His daughter, Charlotte Elizabeth, (named for members of the Thomas Roby family) was born in the home purchased by her father in the late forties, where she still resides. (By Request). GEORGE H. ALLEN In March, 1825, was born to the pioneer, George Allen, a son George H. Allen, who was destined to hold a prominent place in the history of Brockport and to be associated with its largest manufacturing business. Five years after his birth the Allen family took up their residence in a house built by George Allen just east of the Parish House of St. Luke's Church. Although the church itself was not then built, the house may thus be recog- nized, as it stands on the original site today. The Allen family made this house their residence until 1872 when it was sold to Samuel Johnston, head of the Johnston Harvester Works. Mr. Allen's early manhood was spent in a business association with Mr. Lathrop, a prominent pioneer. In 1852 he was asked to join the organization of the Seymour and Morgan Reaper Company, one of the leading manufacturing institutions of the time. The firm later was named the Seymour, Morgan and Allen Company. In 1872 Mr. Allen and his wife left Brockport to look over lands in the West which were then rapidly developing. Not satisfied with his search, and influenced by the great business depression of 1873 they returned here. His next business association was with Mr. Kings- bury in a banking business under the name of Allen and Kingsbury. Later he was again asked to join the now re-organized Reaper Company as treasurer. This office he accepted and held until his death in 1892. After the home on State Street was sold the Allen family moved to a home on College Street, which is still occupied by the remaining two daughters of the family. George H. Allen, besides possessing fine business qualifications was a man of fine character and was highly respected by all with whom he was associated. His home was the center of literary activities of the village in which the Allen's were closely associated with Mary Jane Holmes, the author, and her husband. Mrs. Allen's name was always to be foumd in a prominent place in literary circles with those of /Mrs. Holmes, Mrs. Dayton S. Morgan, and Miss Mary Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

Barnett. Mr. Allen was the organizer of a literary society which was active in the village for twenty-five years. He is remembered by all with whom he was associated as one of the most outstanding citizens of the early days of the village. J. H. KENT There is no record of the date of Mr. Kent's settling here, probably in the early fifties. Mr. Kent, an artist of considerable ability in the painting of landscapes, his work showing fine technique, coloring and atmosphere. No doubt many of his paintings are still hanging here, for many of the old families possessed one or two. There were several in this era who were proficient in the making of daguerrotypes, among them E. Mix. But Mr. Kent was the first to take up photography, his studio being in the house situated en the site of the present Methodist Church. He moved to Rochester when the house was sold, and later on became very much interested in the processes of the Eastman Kodak Company films. It is well known to what a height of success after many years of experimentation Mr. Kent's photographs attained. They were marvels of artistic beauty not ex- celled. LUCIUS T. UNDERHILL In the early sixties Mr. Underhill with his wife came here from Hamlin and established a large lumber yard on Clinton Street. He engaged largely in building. At about this time Erie Street was being extended from Perry Street west to its present limit. Here he built a number of houses. He also was the builder of the house at the northeast corner of College and Utica Streets and also the brick house standing just east of it. He thus promoted largely the growth of the village. POSTOFFICE The Brockport postofflce has seen many changes of location. It was at first located in the stores run by the earliest business men, for many years in one of these iin the Decker Block. There have also been many posft- masters under many political administrations. Mite. Mary Baker, a Civil War widow, served for many years as postmistress. The posteffice is now located in the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

Masonic Block on Main Street, with George Steele as Postmaster. MILLINERY Yes, and the ladies used to have pretty hats in those old first years. At first they probably took a day away from home and had a gala time going to Rochester by way of "packet" on the Canal, and there found something pretty in hats. And a pretty hat must in those days last more than one season. And, by the way, the hats of 1930 and 1931 are reaching out to the old styles of the 1830's. By 1932 we may all be dressing in the styles of "Godey's," and be wearing skirts flounced to the waist and "poke bonnets." In the early fifties, a lady from Medina, Miss Gibbs, set up a millinery store on the east side of Main Street near the Canal (for that was then the center of town) with Miss Jane Ann Smith as partner. She was always called by her first name "Jane Ann." In this shop could be found the latest styles. Sometime in the sixties she became the wife of William H. Barry, a prominent grain dealer and commission merchant. After his death she again opened a millinery store in her home, which stood on the site of the Strand Theater building. There have been millinery stores for at least seventy-five years successively on the site of the present McDonald Sisters store which they have occupied for more than thirty-one years. EDWARD HARRISON was born in Oldham, England, and settled here some time in the '50s. He opened in 1858 a tailor and clothing store in which he continued till his death in 1915, a period of 57 years. After his death his son Joseph Har- rison continued to carry on the business a period of 16 years, making a total of 73 years, the oldest established business of the village. Mr. Harrison served on the local board of the Normal School for a great many years. By the late sixties and early seventies Brockport was a well established and flourishing village. It was already on the map, highly spoken of as a desirable place in which to locate. Its first generation, the pioneers, had served their day and generation. Other men were now to follow, to carry forward to a still greater and still Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

larger prosperity and growth. The boundary line of Western New York and of our own immediate neighbor- hood had begun to shift as a grain producing territory. The Far West had begun to open up with the building of railroads. Gold, silver and coal mines were delivering up their treasures. Oil had gushed in bountiful streams, making a new race of men, Millionaires. And when, in 1872, the last rail of the first trans-continental railroad, the Union Pacific, was fastened with its golden spike, a gateway was opened up anew on the great Western Coast of the United States. This gateway opened not only for seekers for an Eldorado from the eastern part of our own country, but from foreign lands as well. Immigrant trains were loaded with their passengers from the Old World. It was a great attraction for young and old to watch at the Brockport railway station for these trains of immigrants. It was a sight to see the weary travelers- swarming out from the not very comfortable cars. All the countries of Europe were represented in these immigrants. After the first period of building by the pioneers there were several times of intensive building. The first expansion occurred after the building of Niagara Falls Railroad in 1851, and about the same time in the northeast part of the town. Establishment of the State Normal School in 1867 in Brockport, a new impetus was given the village. New streets were laid out, mostly in the southwest part of town; Gordon Street was laid out in 1877. Old streets on which only inferior or few houses stood were improved and new houses built. La Grange Andrews was the builder of new houses at that time on Monroe Street and of many others. Civic street improvements took on a new impetus. Open creeks running- along the sides of streets, notably the one on Holley Street that gurgled under a rustic bridge at the intersection of Holley and Utica, by the old West District School House, were now covered. Cows were no longer pastured, nor allowed to roam, about the streets of the village; ducks and geese no longer followed pedestrians with friendly quacks and hisses. Gas had superceded oil lamps at street corners. Yes, civic improvements were surely on the up-grade by 1867. Yet the village must; have been at that date a striking contrast to the present; Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

~~clipped lawns, improved roads and streets adorned with plants and flowering shrubs planted by our enthusiastic Garden Club.~~

And, following the custom of those early days, all the groceries had a license for selling liquor in the same way as the saloons. A society called the "Sons of Temper- ance" was organized in 1867, composed of both old and young men and women. To belong to this society one must sign the pledge to abstain from the use of liquor, but whether or not any other more aggressive means were put into force for temperance, is not recorded. The organization was largely social. At least one "match" was made as result of it. The "Good Templars" flourished for a number of years.

~~In the '70s another impetus to building occurred, owing to the large activities of the Seymour and Morgan and the Johnston Manufacturers. Large numbers of people were attracted to our village.~~

Sometime during the '80s the Caswell Brothers, Charles, John and Alanson of Oneida County, N. Y., and Edgar Maynard of Massachusetts and James Brazil moved to Brockport with their families, and built many of the houses south of the N. Y. C. R. R. It was not an un- usual sight at this time to see eight or ten houses under construction at the same time. Edgar Maynard continued to build many of Brockporfs finest houses until his death in 1910.

~~The contractor for building the beautiful brick house (just demolished) for Hiel Brockway, was the father of Lieut. Cady for whom Cady Post was named.~~

It will be evident to all that only a few of the mid- century business men of the village can be enumerated in this history. Records are lost that could give us, more than their names and the approximate length of their activities. Most of the men in the following list were engaged in their various lines of business for at least 35 or 40 years. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

Grocers Merchants Hardware John Welch William King A. Hinman began 1867. Son- John Owens E. Whitney Andrew Boyd in-law 1873. Bus- Rush Reed iness closed 1915 Druggists Tailors —48 years. John Spring Van Epps—son Joseph Tozier Ezra Gravies— following, 43 yrs. (son of Dr. Toz- son George fol- ier, Clarkson). lowing. Shoes T. and A. Frye Frost, Frost and D. Wicks Ketcham and Goffe; Goffe & Edgar Benedict,, Patten William Colvin Son; (64 years nephew follow- E. B. Simmons total). ing. ABRAM SMITH Eorn at Yarmouth, England in 1845, Mr. Smith as a boy learned the bakery business. When nineteen years of age he left his home and came to this country with the Woolston family, settling at Albion. They later moved to a farm on the East Lake Road. Mr. Smith, attended school at the "Rising Sun" and in the early sixties at the Collegiate Institute here. In 1867 he started in a bakery business in the block near the Canal on the, east side of Main Street. A big fire destroyed this with other blocks, and he moved his business to the location which had been the first bank building. Here he remained until he retired from business in 1914. His death, occurred in February, 1921. His wife, Elizabeth Bradford, survived him for nine years. Mr. Smith was a man of unswerving integrity of character, a fine business man; and in his fifty-four years of business here no one was held in greater esteem by his fellow townsmen. Of his marriage to Elizabeth Bradford in 1869 four children were born. One daughter, Lena, superintendent at the Community Center, died in 1930.

WILLIAM L. PAGE was born at Key West, Florida in 1834. His father had set aside $5000 for his education; so, as a young man he came north to live with a family in the town of Per- inton, and was the first colored man to graduate from the University of Rochester. He had exceptional talents Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

an extraordinary mathematical ability aiii'vjai,' a'divi'.aj? well as a stationery engineer. His ^iain 'and 2sncy psn- manship is well remembered and showed a great artistic gift. Had he been born at a later date his brilliant mind would have had opportunity to have borne greater fruit, but the ban of race until many years after the Civil War prevented. JOHN D. BURNS Coming from England with his parents when very young Mr. Burns became associated with Brockport. He was a graduate of the Brockport Normal School and -while still quite a young man began teaching and study- ing law at the same time. His law practice was begun in this village, and he was executor of many Brockport estates. He followed his profession here for many years •until failing health forbade. A son, George Burns, follows in his footsteps in Rochester. J. D. DECKER was an early comer to Brockport about 1860, from a former home in Orange, New York. The Decker Block at the northeast corner of Main and Market Streets recalls the memory of its builder. Mr. Decker was a lawyer and practiced in the village for a number of years until this "block was built by him in the seventies. He then entered hanking for a few years, but transferred this business later to W. Raines, after which he resumed law practice and continued in it until his death. In the early days of his residence here he married a daughter of Isaac Palmer of Clarkson. INSURANCE AGENCY The oldest Insurance Agency in Brockport has been continuously located in the Benedict Block. During the early years the agency was bought and sold many times. Por the past 35 years the agency has been owned by Fred M. Caswell, son of Charles Caswell. JOHN R. DAVIS coming here from a farm in Parma, entered into business as a grocer in 1881, continuing until his death, a period of 30 years when his son, Ray P. Davis succeeded him and has been in the business now for 29 Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

£$$r £0 jfears. Mr. Davis served as treasurer village for"8 years. MOORE'S SUBSCRIPTION AGENCY A business that was destined to be a great success in Brockport was established at Clarkson in 1878 by W. H. Moore. It was called "Moore's Newspaper and Magazine Subscription Agency." So rapidly did this business in- crease that in 1882 its founder removed it to Brockport where he could secure better facilities. In the early nineties Mr. Moore purchased the "Subscription News Com- pany" then located at Oak Park, 111. The office of this company was maintained at that place until the death of Mr. Moore in 1907. He also purchased the Kenyon Subscription Agency of Chicago, which he also transferred to Brockport. In 1895 Mr. Moore developed and introduced the first Clubbing system for subscribing for magazines. By means of this system circulations were multiplied and good reading was furnished for American homes at reasonable prices. This club consisted of McClure's, Cosmopolitan and Munsey's Magazines, all for $2.65. From the beginning Mr. Moore specialized in in- stitutional orders and those from libraries. During the months of October, November, December and January his office, in later years located on Market Street east of the Public Building, employed about two hundred men and women. The business continued in Brockport for about five years following Mr. Moore's death. In 1912 it was purchased by D. G. Cottrell of North Cohocton, N. Y. and is still being carried on under the name of Moore and Cottrell at that place. The tremendous amount of mail sent from this Agency raised the Brock- port postoffice to the First Class rank. Mr. Moore was also interested, with Manley S. Shafer in the Moore- Shafer Shoe Company which did for many years so much for Brockport. UTILITIES Sometime in the early fifties lighting by gas was nro moted as a stock company by Isaac Palmeer of ClariT*iT ™ whho livelidd in ththe housh e now occupieoccuid by Dean G c£ The Holly water-works system from the sprint i« cated at Holley were introduced in the late eighties T " 1913 the Hclly system, not being adequate, the wat? Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

was obtained from Lake Ontario. Electric lighting service was promoted as a stock company by George Morgan in 1888. Outside of the six largest cities Brockport was the first town to install electric lighting in New York State. HOME TELEPHONE In 1897 Doctor P. A. Winne, having seen the benefits of a local telephone service which a cousin had installed in his home in Gowanda, came home fired with the desire to have such a system in Brockport. Like all promoters of new schemes he had much "cold water" dashed upon him by friends. One of these made a bet that fifty subscribers to a telephone line could not be secured in the village in a year's time. By the end of only three months, however, Dr. Winne's project received increasing support and patronage until telephones were installed in most business and residence places. Service was excellent and was under the Doctor's own supervision, as the plant was located in his residence where rooms to accommodate it were added. It was not long after its inception here that long distance was established with Rochester Home Telephone Company and Brockport could then talk abroad over the State. Service of our home company continued for about eight years when Dr. Winne sold out his subscription list numbering four hundred and fifty to the Rochester Home Telephone Company. Great opposition from outside had arisen against a Home Telephone local to Brockport. Dr. Winne died in 1905 soon after be had disposed of his telephone business. LUTHER GORDON was born In Allegany County, N. Y. in 1822. From that locality he came to this village in 1856 and began a lumber business. In 1859 he brought his family here, moving into the house which he built, and which has ever since been the home of the Gordon family. In 1874 lie built the first bank building in Brockport on the site that had formerly been used by the old Town Hall and Fire Department. He organized that year the banking business which later became a National Bank. Mr. Gordon died In 1881. Toe business passed into the hands Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

of his son, George. At the death of the latter, Luther, oldest of his four sons (Luther, George, Frederick and Thomas C.) became President of the bank. At the death of Luther, the presidency went to Thomas C. Gordon, as the other two sons were engaged in business in Roch- ester. Three generations of bankers have thus belonged to the Gordon family, and have served Brockport faith- fully. In 1927 a new bank building, very modern and fully equipped and larger than the old one was built on the same site. The original lumber busiriess established by Luther Gordon, Sr. continued in the Gordon family until 1927 when it was sold to an out-of-town corporation. W. E. B. Stull, who had been manager for a long period, was retained by the new owners as salesmanager. WILLIAM DAILEY was of Irish lineage, his parents coming to America in 1836, seeking agricultural advantages not to be found in their native country. After trying several locations in the fertile western part of New York, the family settled on a farm in Sweden. Mr. Dailey was one of seven children and his early life was spent working on his father's farm and attending the country school. On February 25, 1875 he was married to Jessie McGary of Macedon. To them were born ten children, five of whom are now living. In 1876 Mr. Dailey started in the produce business, at first in a limited way, buying wool, beans and apples. This business prospered, and later he bought all of the barley raised by the farmers of this vicinity for sale to the Bartholomay Brewing Company, having elevators here in Brockport and also in Medina. Mr Dailey was a large stockholder in manufacturing industries, in which he was also a large loser. He has the distinction of being a pioneer in building up one of the chief industries of Western New York State; namely the great "Shredded Wheat" plant at Niagara FaUs For this industry he induced all of the farmers who had been raising bailey to change to wheat. And he fc™ every farmer and his children within a radius of t^t miles by name. This memory for names was nL "?nty gifts. To quote a passage from the pages of th L°f *"* of Rochester and Monroe County Business J? ^story connection with any undertaking insured « "~'

forward to successful completion whatever he was associated with. He has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business, and in his dealings is known for his prompt and honorable methods, which have won him the deserved and unbounded confidence cf his fellowmen."

His children still living include John F. Dailey, William G., also engaged in the coal business here; Vincent D., Donald A., J. Oswald and Franklyn E. Donald A. Dailey has recently been honored with the office of Commis- sioner of Public Safety in Rochester.

THOMAS H. DOBSON whose recent death occurred on December 11, 1930, had been engaged in business the longest of any man in Brockport. The fifty-fourth anniversary of his entrance into the drug business here was celebrated on October 11, 1930. Mr. Dobson was born in Vienna, Oneida Coun- ty' January 11, 1852. After coming here he bought in 1876 the drug business of Timolhy Frye, then located in th- present utility store. Here he continued in business for nineteen years. In 1901 he bought out the Tozier drug business, combining the two stocks, and moving to the p-esent site. In 1909 the Dobson Drug business was incorporated under the laws of New York State as the Thomas H. Dobson Company. Mr. Dobson was president and his son, Harold G. Dobson, Secretary and Treasurer. Mr Dobson was one of the first stockholders of the United Drug Company through his acquaintance with M* Liggett, the Company's president. Mr. Dobson was verv keenly interested in all civic affairs. He was Mayor of the village, Secretary of the Local Board of the State Normal charter member of the Lakeview Cemetery A-sociaion and its secretary for many years. He was ^o very active in church work and was Senior Warden of St Lukes for many years, and one of|lt» oldes*

~~September 25, 1927 off the coast of Block Island. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection~~

JAMES BRENNAN at the present time Carrying on a hardware business begun in 1834, is the owner, with his son, Waldo Bren- nan, ons of the oldest of the village's business under- takings. This store was started in partnership with the late George H. Adams and this partnership was carried on from 1884 until 1&29, when Mr. Adams' death occurred. Both these men had served apprenticeships before opening their own business, having been with Charles Van Epps; Mr. Brennan had also worked for the firm of Hinman and Fowler. The latter business was conducted by Mr. Hinman until failing health caused its continuance by a son-in-law, A. W. Fowler. During the Brennan-Adams partnership Mr. Adams was in charge of outside work of plumbing and so forth and Mr. Bren- nan of store routine. Mr. Brennan now serves the village as its Treasurer which office he also held earlier for a number of years. He has now been in business in the village for forty-seven continuous years. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

PART III MANUFACTORIES Manufacturing has been from the earliest history of Brockport its chief interest, and that to which it owes its past and present prosperity. BOAT BUILDING was the, most prominent manufacturing industry of Brcckport in the early days. Before the day of railroads in this locality, packet boats on the canal afforded the most comfortable and speedy mode of travel. Al- though these boats traveled at a slower rate of speed than the ordinary stage, a greater distance was attained. A daily line of boats between Rochester and Albany connecting with stage lines on the Ridge and Buffalo Roads was augmented in 1828. The men responsible for this line of boats seized the favorable opportunity and built and equipped a number of packets gotten up in fine taste and launched a daily line through to Buffalo. Mr, Brockway afterwards, with E. B. Holmes as partner, followed boat building several years, and along with an interest in a line of packets this business was a source of great wealth to them and of great prosperity to Brock- port. In 1839 or '40 Elias B. Holmes withdrew from the partnership and established a new and independent line called the "Opposition." He in this way greatly re- duced his own profits, but benefited his patrons. SLEIGHS AND CARRIAGES In 1822 Silas Hardy began the manufacture of sleighs and carriages. His manufacturing plant on the east side of Main Street was continued by him until his death in 1838. It then passed into other hands for a short time until it was purchased in 1839 by John Smith and Com- pany. This new firm began the manufacture of furniture and continued, with various changes in partnership, until 1864. That year their shops were destroyed by fire and they removed their factory to a place north of the Canal now known as Smith Street. On the old site a

~~45 Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection~~

Substantial brick block was erected. The retail trade "was given up after the removal of the factory. A. D. Dailey, succeeded by A. V. Fowler, still continues the business on its original site. WHITESIDE AND BARNETT Ths firm of Whiteside and Barnett began their manufacture cf agricultural implements very early here, of which "The Empire Grain Drill" was the most important and continued until failing health of both partners, compelled a retirement from active duties. Another early manufacturer of carriages was Isaac Barnes whose factory on Clinton Street was successfully run by him until his failing health compelled him in 1882 to abandon the business. In later times the Wheel Works, Piano Factory, Piano Case Factory, a Cooling Board Factory and a factory for the making of galvanized ware, all for various reasons removed or disbanded, after long or short existences. In spite cf eventual removal, all of these contributed during their time to the prosperity of the village. The Shoe Factory (mentioned under another head) was for many years a very large factor in the growth and wealth of the town. The abandoning of this industry was an irreparable loss to Brockport, and is to be sincerely re- gretted. There have been many smaller industries which have contributed their share to the well being of .the village. As stated elsewhere in this history, the firm of Bachus and Ganson, established an iron foundry in 1828, or 1830, continuing with frequent changes in partnership. The firm of Bachus, Fitch and Company were pioneers in the manufacturing of threshing machines with improved machinery and horse power to run them. Up to this time stationary ones only had been in use. In 1846 reaping machines were manufactured but were unsuccessful By 1852 this Arm had again changed name and partners" and became Ganson, Huntley and Company Mr Hunt ley of this firm having for a number of^s^een con! nected with some of the other companies. By them a considerable business was done in the manufacW or reapers, especially of the Palmer and SfSS? Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

This was the first self-raking machine used in this section, although it was a combination of the quadrant platform patented by "William H. Seymour, and the xwespstake patented by Aaron Palmer. Mr. Palmer was another of the pioneers of the village who contributed greatly to its growth. In 1866 this latter firm, which -had meantime become Silliman, Bowman and Company, William Martin being financial secretary of the company, sold out to the Johnston Harvester Company. This company began the manufacture of reaping machines under improvements patented by Samuel Johnston, whose name the firm bore. Mr. Huntley was appointed foreign agent for the machine after some years and they v.-ere now sold in almost every foreign country. In 1883 •a very disastrous fire occurred which destroyed most of the property cf the company and also was the cause of -considerable loss of life. Batavia offered a fine proposi- tion to the company to rebuild there. For this reason, and also because of the steep canal bridge hill which made the transfer of machines and the hauling of all freight very difficult, the business was transferred to Eatavia. This removal was a great loss to Brockport. DAYTON S. MORGAN was associated in the early manufacturing business cf IBrockport. The son of Welch parents, Samuel and Sarah Dayton Morgan, his birth occurred in the town of Ogden November 19, 1819. His parents, who were married in 1316, had removed from Connecticut to Herkimer County end later to Ogden. At an early age Dayton S. Morgan was thrown upon his own resources, first teaching school, then accepting a job in the Erie Canal Collector's office here. In 1343, deciding to adopt a business career, he became associated with E. Whitney, a merchant of Brockport, and one of the wealthiest men of the village, who invited Mr. Morgan to enter a partnership with him. In the same year a second foundry and machine shop T?as opened here by William H. Seymour and Thomas R. Tloby. At the invitation of Mr. Seymour the young Mr. TMorgan bought Mr. Roby's interest and the firm became Seymour and Morgan. Ever since his first business ven- ture in the village in 1822, Mr. Seymour had been very favorably known, first as clerk, then as partner, then as successor of his brother James Seymour in the mercan- Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

tile business. The new firm established the "Globe Iron. Works" and began to make on a moderate scale stoves and agricultural implements. In 1846, Elias B. Holmes of Brockport, then a member of Congress, met while in Washington one Silas H. McCormick of Walnut Grove, Virginia, who was taking out patents on a reaping machine he had invented. Mr. Holmes told McCormick of the Globe Iron Works of Brockport and of the character of the men who were in charge of it. Accordingly McCormick came to Brockport with his patent (some say that he arrived here on horseback). A conference with Seymour and Morgan resulted in the making of a few changes and improvements in the mechanism of the reaper and preparations were made to have the machines ready for the harvest of the fall of 1846. The first year one hundred machines were built and sold. These were an historic one hundred. For these were the first one hundred successful harvesting machines known to have ever been manufactured in the world. Seymour and Morgan continued to improve the machines they built. In 1349 a new model called the "New Yorker" came out. Mr. Seymour had invented and patented some valuable improvements in automatic raking, especially the quadrant platform, which no subsequent machine has been able to supersede or evade. In 1852 a self-raking reaper was built by Seymour and Morgan, and another by Palmer and Williams, which differed somewhat in construction but each of which possessed important principles essential to a perfect machine. Both were manufactured by Seymour and Morgan who persevered until they introduced a machine of their own design, which proved to be not only the first entirely successful reaper ever built, but one which gained a world-wide reputation. At this time Mr. Seymour sold out his interest in the firm to Mr. Morgan who continued the business. In connection with it he was obliged to bring many law suits against those who tried to infringe upon the patents on the machine. These litigations attracted wide attentinn and men of prominence were retained on both sides S counsel. Among the famous names of those connf^ with these law suits were those of Abraham nn^S ward M. Stanton, William H. Seward li ~ C°ln> Ed" den of Rochester, and others£/"£?, ^ **' through years and cost large sums of money^ut Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

ended in a victory for D. S. Morgan and Company. As result the business flourished and gave employment to hundreds cf men. Mr. Morgan's death occurred April D, 1890. All the patents on the reaper were subsequently consolidated in one machine with each party holding specified interests. They were renewed by an Act of Congress in 1866, and many reaper manufacturers have paid royalties to them. In 1853 George H. Allen became a partner in the firm, which then became known as Sey- mour, Morgan and Allen. This firm continued until 1873. Mr. Morgan had many large interests besides his connection with the manufacture of the reaping machines. In 1869 he was one of the organizers of the Central Cross Street Railroads in New York City. For many years he v,ras a Director in this company. He was also vice- president of the Central Branch of the Union Pacific Hailroad. He at one time owned large tracts of land in the vicinity of Chicago which were absorbed by that -city. He was largely influential in bringing to Brockport the State Normal School, and for many years was Pres- ident of its Local Board. In 1864 Mr. Morgan was married to Susan M. Jocelyn, who still survives her husband, and who lives in the old home in Brockport. Seven children were born to them, all of whom are living. Mr. Morgan was always quiet and retiring in his manner. He was always interested in all affecting the welfare of Brockport, where he spent his life. WILLIAM BRADFORD Manufacturer of the "Bradford Bean Planter," "Brad- lord Potato Digger," and "Bradford Cabbage Digger" came to Brockport in 1851 from Exeter, England. At iifteen years of age he had been apprenticed to a blacksmith at Hapgood, England, where after seven years service he became Head Shoeing Smith to Hon. Newton Fellows of Eggsford, England. In 1845 he was married to Charlotte Challice. There were six children, one son and five daughters, two of whom are still living Mr. Bradford was a man of high standards of conduct and great strength of character, and did much towards the Sowth of Brockport. His death occurred in December. 1926. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

PART IV CHURCHES—SCHOOLS CHURCHES As early as 1S26 cr 1827 there seems to have broken. cut in ths little settlement what might be called an epidemic of church building. Instead of bad results from, the epidemic, however, influences for good were set into motion and are yet felt in ever widening circles. Coming, as nearly all of the early settlers did, from Puritan New England, cr from descendants of the Dutch Pilgrim. Fathers, of southern and eastern New York, there was no doubt a very strong religious sentiment. METHODISTS The Methodist Episcopalians were the first to crystalize this religious sentiment. As early as 1820 the M. E. "Circuit Riders" preached here occasionally in private houses, or, for a time, held services in a hotel. Their organization did not reach the form of permanency, however, until the fall of 1827, when Rev. John Copeland was stationed here as a regular Pastor. On December 10th cf that year the Society was duly organized as a Church. Among the Trustees elected were Caleb and Samuel Kingsbury. The Methodist Episcopalians built the first church edifice of any denomination in Brock- port. This was a building of brick on the north side of Market Street which cost $3,000. It was dedicated in 1829, Rev. Abner Chase preaching. In 1875 the present building was begun, and was finished in 1876. Later it \?as enlarged to accommodate a pipe organ. The M. E. Parsonage was bought in 1872. There have been forty- five Pastors beginning with John Copeland. PRESBYTERIAN On March 19, 1828, was organized the first Congre- gational Society of Brockport. For two years services were held in the old brick school house at the com f Erie and Perry Streets, with Rev. Joseph Meyers a th 50 Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

first Pastor. During this time James Seymour gave the land on which to build a Congregational Church. This, was completed in June, 1830. That same year a plan for the union of the Congregationalists and Presbyterians was adopted, called the "Settlement Plan." An interesting resolution under the date of March 24, 1831 reads as follows: "Resolved, unanimously, that it shall be required of persons who shall hereafter unite with this Church that they abstain from the traffic or use of distilled liquors, except as a medicine, or for chemical purposes." In 1852 or '53 the church building was torn down and the present one erected. During this work one of the Swett brothers, either Peter or John, fell from a ladder and v\Tas killed. In 1901 the front of the church was altered, this being made possible by the generous gift of the late Deborah Williams. In 1841 the Church was re-crganized as a Presbyterian Church, and from that time, beginning with B. B. Stockton, the church has had fifteen ministers. In 1918 the present Pastor, Rev. E. D.. Webster, cama here. The church from 1847 to 1856 was served by the Rev. Augustus Cowles, D. D. who married the oldest daughter of Ralph Gould. Dr. Cowles went from here to Elmira where he founded the first college for women in the United States, "Elmira College." BAPTIST The first Baptist Church of Brockport was organized April 28, 1828, in an old school house building which. stood at the corner of Main and Holley Streets. It was first called the "Baptist Conference in Brockport." But en the 12th of June following it was re-organized and the first Pastor, J. R. Dodge, was called, his work to date from June 22. In 1830 a church building was erected. It stood on a hill, forty-five by sixty feet in size, with the basement above ground, and with a long flight of steps leading to the audience room. It also had a square belfry. This site is supposed to have been an old Indian burying ground. The first reported membership of the Church was fifty-eight in 1829, and the highest, one hundred ninety-five in 1831, on the 10th of March, having existed eleven years and having had four Pastors. •me business depression of 1837 so affected the church. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

that it was dissolved and the building sold in 1839. In 1841 a new church was formed called "Second Baptist Church of Brockport" and eomposed largely of members cf ths First Church. This name remained until 1879 when the necessary legal steps were taken to change the name to the "First Baptist Church and Society." The -success of the nev/ly organized church was made possible by the untiring interest and energy of Deacon Israel Starks, who had just moved to Brockport from Le Roy. He induced Elder Ichabod Clark to resign from Le Roy to become the pastor of the Brockport church. It was he also who raised the $1,200 necessary to buy back the Meeting House which they had been obliged to sell to the New York Life Insurance and Trust Company. This building was used for worship until 1863 when the present edifice was begun. At its dedication in Decem- ber, 1864, the sermon was preached by Rev. Ichabod Clark, the first pastor. The Baptist Parsonage was built in 1879. In 1882 a costly pipe organ was given to the church by Mr. John H. Dean of New York City who had been a member of the church while attending the Col- legiate Institute. At various times repairs and additions to the church building have been made, the latest being the remodelling done during the pastorate of Rev. Henry W. Stevens who resigned in July, 1930. The present pastor, Rev. Edgar C. Smith, came to the church October •5, 1930.

ROMAN CATHOLIC The Roman Catholic Church was served by different pastors as a Mission until 1856, when the first church building was begun, at the corner of Erie and Utica Streets, and was completed and consecrated in 1B56 Rev Edward McGowan was sent here to take charge, not only of the Brockport church but of three others. Father McGowan was transferred in 1861 to Seneca Falls Two years later, October 8, 1863, Richard J. Story was transferred from Hornell to this place. His pastorate here lasted for over fifty years, the longest of any clergyman in the town. Father Story died December 12, 1914. The present church and rectory was begun October 1926 and Itl T^JUly 10 1927 Th Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

EPISCOPALIAN St. Lukes Protestant Episcopal Church was organized September 20, 1838. At the meeting called for this purpose E. B. Holmes was appointed chairman, with Jerome Fuller and Samuel H. Davis as associates, to certify to- all proceedings of the organization of the church. Two wardens were elected, Samuel H. Davis and Roswell Smith. For vestrymen, Anson Chapell, Jerome Fuller, Adolphus D. Bennett, Elias B. Holmes, Stephen D. Bald- win, William Downs, Peter Swett and Seth L. King were selected. The present church building was completed in 1856 and was consecrated in July of that year by Bishop De Lancy. Rev. C. B. Fairchild was the first Rector. During the seventy-five years since it was first completed, the church building has been beautified in many ways by loving memorials of devoted parishioners. The Parish House is a memorial from Mrs. Clinton Carey, and the late improvements were made possible by a legacy from Mrs. Sabatton, nee May Follett. The present Rector is Alexander N. Keedwell, M. A.

REFORMED LUTHERAN The Reformed Lutheran Society of Brockport was- organized November 5, 1862. In that same year a lot was purchased in Monroe Avenue for the site of a church building which was begun in that year and was completed in February, 1863. Part of the expense of building was defrayed by personal services. In 1874 the name was changed to "German Evangelical Association." August Klein was the pastor. This association was dissolved for lack of numbers, and the building was sold for a dwelling in 1909. THE E. V. LUTHERAN CONCORDIA This church was built in 1837 with Rev. Grept as its first pastor. It has for its present pastor Rev. C. W. Oldach. FREE METHODIST Sometime in the fifties a division occurred in the Methodist Episcopal Church, the issue being principally about church government. Those who objected to the Bishophric rule dropped out from the M. E. Church here Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

and from that time have been known as the Free Metho- dists. Those who dropped out here worshipped for many years in the old Free Will Baptist Church on King Street. The present Free Methodist Church building was erected in the '70s. FREE WILL BAPTISTS The Free Will Baptist Church was organized on May S, 1845, by Elder D. M. Rollin. It was erected by the Free 'Will Baptist Mission of New York State. It was finally .sold to the Brockport Grange. In 1858 the church was dissolved and never re-organized. SCHOOLS Judging by the number of schools which have existed in Brockport in all the years since the village was settled, it has surely enjoyed good educational advantages. These schools of Brockport are classified under two lieads as Public and Private Schools. The first private school of which there is a record was kept by Miss Delia Kingsbury, daughter of Caleb Kings- fcury, whose oldest sister v/as the wife of M. O. Randall, a leading jeweler in the village for many years. An- other private school of very early date was taught by Helen Gillespie, one of two sisters who lived on State Street. It is told of this school that benches without backs were used and caused complaints from parents as their children were as result growing round shouldered, This school had as a playroom in rainy weather a barn near by. We next find record of another private school which was kept by Miss Anna Effner, a daughter of Dea- con John Effner, one of the first ruling Elders of the Presbyterian Church, a man of Dutch ancestry, eccentric, but very good. This sehool was held in Deacon Effner's home which stood on King Street. On account of illness Miss Effner's school work had to be given up, and Miss Ellen Avery, an aunt of B. H. Avery, opened a school, receiving most of Miss Effner's former pupils. Another private school was conducted by Theresa Huntley in the basement of the "Baker House" which stood on the site cf the present Strand Theater. Another private school located on Main Street was later en kept by a Miss John- son in the house now owned by Mrs. M. Bruce. Two Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

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other very early private schools are recorded: in the- early fifties Miss Harriet Skidmore, a very highly educated instructor, conducted a school for young ladies where both ancient and modern languages, including Italian, were taught. Another early school was that of Miss Sarah Jane Cooley, daughter of Levi Cooley, and was located on Market Street. It was contemporary with Miss Skidmore's school. Mrs. Roxy also had a very flourishing school for a number of years. The last of the private schools of Brockport was one conducted by Miss Edith Gooding and was a college preparatory school. PUBLIC SCHOOLS The first public school of the village was held in the "Little Erick Schoolhouse" on the corner of Erie and Perry Streets which was built in the very earliest days of the settlement. There is still one lady living in the- villaga who attended this school. There were three district schools, north, east and west of which very little record can be found. It is known, however, that in the^ north district Miss Maria Slack of Clarkson was one of the earliest of the teachers. The East District School was built in 1850. Miss Mary Barnett was one of its early teachers. There are no records of the West District School except that, some time in the forties, Oliver Morehouse, afterward assistant principal of the Col- legiate Institute, was its principal. The three district schools were, on February 18, 1915, merged into the Grammar School, which is located on the former site of the West District School. This is the site that was given to the village by Hiel Brockway as "a school site forever."" Lfrs. Elizabeth Barclay has been principal since the merger. PAROCHIAL SCHOOL In September, 1873, a large house and spacious grounds- were purchased of Mrs. M. M. Sadler, widow of one of the most prominent men of early times, and sister of E. B. Holmes. This site was for the home of a convent and parocliial school. On January 10, 1876, the school was opened in a large school house erected on the same lot during the years 1874-75 under the supervision of Sisters Ursula, Louise, and Agatha. The present ParochiaL School building was built in 1S15. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE About 1832 or '33 the Baptist Association of Western New York decided to establish a Baptist College at some place in Western New York. This was to be at whatever place west of Rochester the best inducements were offered. Hiel Brockway offered six acres and $3,000.00 for this opportunity for Brockport to secure the prize. Other places offered liberally, and there was considerable strife. Le Roy, Warsaw and Brockport were the chief competi- tors, and the award went to Brockport for offering the best inducements. Subscriptions were at once circulated, especially among Baptist people of Western New York. In 1834 the building was begun and the work was pushed rapidly to completion. In 1836 enough room had been completed to open a Collegiate School, at the head of v/hich was placed Professor Morse as principal. Large indebtedness was incurred in the building and the heavy mortgage on the property greatly embarrassed the West- ern New York Association. Times grew worse causing a financial panic all over the country, and the Associa- tion could neither continue work on the building nor complete the school. In 1836, failing to meet its indebtedness, a foreclosure sale was held and the building fell into the hands of the contractors, who soon after themselves failed and the property fell to the assignees. The Baptist Society of Brockport, who had been in charge of the operation of building, also failed. The hops for a Baptist College in Brockport seemed to be forever lost. The property was literally "given over to the bats and -owls." But the enterprising citizens of Brockport felt they could not afford to allow the loss of such a school. So, en August 19, 1841, these citizens met to consider the feasibility of purchasing the building, which was offered for the sum of $3,800.00, and of carrying out the original idea of establishing a Collegiate Institute in Brockport. They proposed to issue stock in shares of $25 each, making each stockholder part owner of the building. One hundred and fifty-eight shares were bought by forty-five persons, raising thereby $3,950.00. On September 16, a Board of twenty-four Trustees was elected. Among the names on this board were those of Ralph Gould, E. B. Holmes, -Joseph Ganson, John Effner, John A. Latta, Joseph Roby, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

W. H. Seymour, A. W. Cary, P. W. Brewster, William: Barry, Hiel Brockway, Isaac Jcslyn, T. R. Roby and A. Fitch. J. Ganson was elected Clerk, but no President was chosen until July 1842, when Thomas R. Roby was elected. It was resolved that, since the Baptist denomination had expended much money in the enterprise, the property should be transferred to that society if it could at any time within ten years raise sufficient funds to maintain a Church College and pay the sum of $3,800. They accordingly set out to raise the money and a loan was procured on the building and a subscription raised to complete it and to beautify the grounds. The institution was then incorporated as the Brockport Collegiate Institute and Julius A. Bates, formerly a teacher in Gaines (Orleans County) Academy, was engaged as Principal for a term of four years. His annual salary was to be $800, and there were to be ten other teachers. The term began November 10, 1842, with Mrs. Bates in charge of the House and Boarding Department. Addi- tional stock to the amount of $2,500 was raised at $25 a share, and a donation of $884 also was received from citizens of the village. The number of students rapidly increased and the fame of the school spread abroad. It was soon classed among the leading institutions of its kind in the State. On October 27, 1845 Julius Bates, the Principal, in the heighth cf his career, died. Arrange- ments were at once made for Professor Morehouse, one of the teachers, to take his place as head of the school. Mrs. Bates was to remain as head of the Boarding De- partment. In the years between 1841 and 1845 there had been a number of changes in the personnel of the board. In November, following the death of Julius Bates, Jerome Puller became a member of the Board. On July 14, 1846 he was elected President and held that office until Janu- ary 11, 1864. At the end of the year in 1846 Professor Morehouse resigned, and his office was filled by Joseph C. Tooker. The latter continued as principal until the close of 1848, when a change was again made and the office was taken by J. K. G. Trainar. During these changes in. principalship Mrs. Bates continued as head of the Boarding Department. Under this management the school continued with great success, and gave general satisfaction. In 1853 the resignation of Mr. Trainar- took place, and Mr. N. P. Stantcn and wife of Buffalo^ Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

took charge, the former as principal and the latter as assistant. The school sprang into new activity and more than ordinary prosperity prevailed. On January 11, 1854, Eliphalet Whitney became President of the Board and Hollister Lathrop, Treasurer. The school had now attained its highest efficiency and was celebrated far and wide. On Sunday, April 2, 1854, at eleven o'clock in the . morning while the citizens of the village were at church, they were aroused by a startling uproar, and rushing out found their Institute wrapped in flames. By two o'clock that afternoon the buildings were completely razed. The school was, of course, broken up and its students scattered. But little hope seemed to remain that the Brock- port Collegiate Institute would ever be re-established. Yet, the very morning after the fire, the Board of Trus- tees met and determined to rebuild as soon as possible. The work was soon begun under the direction cf the former Principal, N. P. Stanton, who was now engaged as Principal of the re-built institution, his term to cover a number of years. On December 27, 1855, the institute was re-opened under the immediate supervision cf Mr. Stanton and with a full and able corps of teachers. Meanwhile Mr. Stanton was elected to the State Legis- lature and was compelled to relinquish his principal- ;ship. In the rebuilding the Trustees had incurred an indebtedness of about $10,000. To meet this the sum of about $8,000 was obtained by a mortgage on the property payable to the University of Rochester. A second mortgage was for $2,000 obtained from David Bur- bank. Upon complying with terms of a specified agree- ment, Mr. Burbank was to become Principal of the Insti- tute for a term of ten years. On December 23, 1856, the people of Brockport assembled in the new College Chapel to dedicate to the cause of education the new Brockport Collegiate Institute. The dedicatory address was given by Professor Andrews of the University of Rochester. -Mr. Whitney, as President, gave statistics showing the cost of the building and grounds, which totalled $130,000.

Under Dr. Burbank the school flourished and it became one of the most popular in the State. But financially he failed to make it a success. On April 9, 1861, the Board of Trustees were asked by him to release him from his •contract. This met with refusal, but he transferred his Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

rights and interests to P. J. Williams, A. M. of Marion College Institute who was assisted by Professor Malcolm McVicar, Mr. Spencer and Miss Dorberg. Still unable to pay the interest on the mortgage, which in 1862 had to be raised by subscription, Dr. Williams resigned, Janu- ary 14, 1863. Professor McVicar was employed in his place on the condition that he should not be obliged to pay this interest. At the end of that year, he also resigned. Professor Morehouse was engaged for the office, but this was rescinded and Professor McVicar was rein- stated with the understanding that rents and tuitions should be increased. But debts still continued, fore- closures began, and it seemed that the Institute must be given up.

At this time a department had been established in connection with a few Academies expressly for the purpose of training teachers for the common schools. These, called Normal schools, had become popular, and in April 1866, the State authorized the location of four more of these Normal Schools. The Board of Trustees of the In- stitute at once applied for one of these to be located in Brockport in connection with the Academic Department. Other localities also applied and Geneseo and Brockport became rival contestants. Places securing the Normals must agree to deed suitable buildings to the State before the school would be established. Geneseo offered $50,000 and deed. Brockport agreed to raise $50,000 to purchase the buildings and to erect an addition making the whole worth $110,000 and deed. Brockport was to reserve a part, however, as an Academic Department. Hiel Brock- way's deed records that "this land and this building should be for the children of Brockport for all time." The contest was fierce at Albany; but the decision was finally made in favor of Brockport. It was confirmed by an Act of the Legislature on March 20th, 1867. In that month the Board of Trustees of the Brockport Collegiate Institute transferred all their rights, title and interest to the village of Brockport, and thence to the State of New York. STATE NORMAL SCHOOL On March 29, 1867, The State Superintendent of Public Instruction appointed a Local Board to manage the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

affairs of the new Normal School. This first Local BoardL included Doctor Anderson of Rochester, Elijah Christ- well of Clarkson and the following men, all of Brockport: Jerome Fuller, Thomas Cornes, William H. Seymour,. A. F. Brainard, B. E. Huntly, Daniel Holmes, Timothy Frye, J. A. Latta, J. D. Decker, Joseph Tosier. The Pres- ident of this Board was Jerome Fuller. Daniel Holmes: was Secretary and J. D. Decker, Treasurer. On April 17, 1867, the Normal School was formally- opened. Its faculty was headed by Professor McVicar,. Principal, and included Mrs. H. E. G. Arey, Preceptress,, with five departmental teachers, Charles D. McLeanr L. L. B., professor of Mathematics, William J. Milne= professor at head of the Academic Department and five assistant teachers. On June 29, 1868, Principal McVicar resigned and was succeeded by Professor C. D. McLean* v/ho held this position until 1898, when failing health: compelled his resignation. Since his time Doctors Smith, McFarlane and A. C. Thompson have served as Prin- cipals. Dr. Thompson came to the school in 1910 and is- still serving. About twenty-one years ago the State Board of Edu- cation at Albany established the HIGH SCHOOLS all over the State. The Academic Department here which had been in existence since 1836 was now called the High School. The teachers of the Normal School served also as the teachers of the High School. About 1926 or '27, the State Board of Education decided that they could no longer pay the salaries of the Normal School teachers to serve as teachers for the High School- So, July 19, 1927, the High School was made separate- from the Normal School and attained its Board of Trus- tees and corps of teachers, and was called the "Central. School." A reminiscence of the long principalship of Professor McLean, whose service to the Normal School ended in. 18S8, was recently recalled when the Gamma Sigma Fraternity which was founded by him, paid tribute to his memory. On October 12, 1930 members of the fraternity journeyed to Lake View Cemetery where the grave of Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

Principal McLean is located and unveiled a granite monument erected to his memory upon his grave. The monument contains a bronze plaque with the following" inscription: "In Memoriam, Charles Donald McLean, Founder of Gamma Sigma fraternity, Oct. 11, 1868, erected by the Grand Council, Oct. 11, 1930." Clifford Brandt of Syracuse, grand secretary of the Grand Chapter, performed the ceremonies incidental to the unveiling and was assisted by members of the fraternity from Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester and Brockport. The stone was authorized at the recent convocation in Rochester. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

PART V FRATERNAL AND OTHER SOCIETIES COMMUNITY CENTER MONROE LODG2 173, F. AND A. M. Instituted March 19, 1850; Chartered June 21, 1850r Incorporated May 22, 1863. Original Charter still here- Joshua Field first Master. DANIEL HOLMES CHAPTER 294, ROYAL ARCH MASONS Instituted July 1, 1902; Chartered February 4, 1903; Constituted February 26, 1903. Benjamin F. Gleason first High Priest. ODD FELLOWS Charter granted May 1G, 1866. Charter members include the following: Charles Warren, Augustus Bur- roughs, Powers Wicks, Miles Upton, Thomas Cooley, Calvin Colteres, Harry McCue, Egbert Henion, John B. Henion, Henry P. Osborne, Henry E. Doty, A. F. Butts, All of the fraternal societies, the G. A. R., Firemen, K. cf C. and Legionaries and other War groups have their organized auxiliaries of women. The functions of the auxiliaries are largely social. Y. M. C. A. For a period of six or seven years, starting in 1888,. Erockport had a Y. M. C. A. which was supported by private subscription. Professor Seeley of the Normal School was the chief promoter. Among the five or six secretaries of the organization v/as William Mitchell. The work done was of great importance and also of great benefit to the town. It was of lasting value to the young men of the community due to the work of the several secretaries. W. C. T. U. Some time during the middle '80s, an intense interest 62 Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

was being aroused against the evils of the liquor traffic- Frances Willard of the nearby town of Churchville was arousing this section as well as the whole state to great enthusiasm in the effort to put organized effort against the great evil—and in this time the local W. C. T. U. was organized, as a result of the temperance work led by Dr. John Mason, pastor of the Baptist Church here, its first President being Mrs. Atwater (mother of Mrs. Caroline Atwater Mason), who was a woman of great strength of character. The society became strong and did a noble wcrk for many years. Since the passage of the 18th Amendment, however, necessity for much active work has been superceded by Federal enforcement. EROCKPORT UNION AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY was organized in October 1859 with Hon. E. B. Holmes as President; H. W. Beach, Secretary and Thomas Comes, Treasurer. It leased sixteen acres in the southeastern part of the town for ten years of Lorenzo Porter and Humphrey Palmer, and upon this constructed one of the finest half-mile race tracks in the State. At the expira- tion of the lease, unable to either extend it or to purchase the land, the Society was disbanded in October 1863. The last officers were H. W. Seymour, President; Daniel Holmes, Secretary, and O. B. Avery Treasurer. After some years another Society was organized and is now known as the Monroe County Agricultural Society which in 1931 became associated with the Exposition in Rochester. UNION CHARITABLE SOCIETY In the business depression of 1893 when unemployment caused bread and soup lines to be formed in all the large cities, this Society was organized in Brockport through the very able efforts of Mrs. Henry Harrison. Its constitution was patterned after a similar Society in Rochester. At a meeting of the women of the village called to organize this Society, one hundred and twenty responded. Mrs. Mary J. Holmes was chosen President, the four vice-presidents were the wives of the four pas- tes of the village, Miss Elizabeth Martin was Secretary and Mrs. George C. Gordon, Treasurer. Mrs. Daniel Peed was Chairman of a corps of visitors appointed to investigate where aid was needed. Business meetings Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

were held monthly by the officers. Early in the existence of the Society a women's paper was published which netted the organization about $400 for funds for ita work. Entertainments were also given, among which was a lecture by Mrs. Holmes on a recent trip she had made to Russia. At the death of Mrs. Holmes the Society, after fifteen years of existence, still continued to function in relief work, its funds being on deposit in the National Bank. In later years, at the time of the great Mississippi flood, there still remained $30 in the bank. By agreements of the treasurer and secretary, the Society never having disbanded, $10 was given to the Red Cross for the Mississippi flood relief and the remainder reserved for home emergency. The society was dissolved after this action. BOY SCOUTS The first week of February 1931 marked the 21st birthday anniversary of Lord Baden-Powell's founding of the Boy Scout organization. This originated on a small island in the English Channel and the remarkable organization has spread until it has over one million members, in the United States alone. It has sent hundreds of thousands of youths to the colleges and the business world better fitted for taking responsibility and for exer- cising strength of character. A Brockport Troop of the Boy Scouts of America was organized in 1917, through the influence of Gifford Morgan who became first Scout Commissioner. A meeting was called with James Mann as Chairman who gave a fine talk on the "Scout Oath" showing its significance to young men. Thomas C. Gor- don gave to the new organization the use of three rooms on the second floor of the National Bank Building for a home. The late Frank Cook was appointed Scout-leader. He was succeeded by Frank Otte. Paul Reichel is at present scoutmaster.

All of the scoutmasters have done excellent work, and the Troop has flourished in all its different lines of endeavor. Arthur Milinowski, who was a high official in the work of the construction of the Barga Canal here, was early appointed a Scoutmaster. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

GIRL SCOUTS -.n^t Girl Scout movemeat was launched in March 1912 by Mrs. Samuel C. Lawrence of Savannah, Georgia. After nineteen years this organization now numbers 250,- COO members from coast to coast. Miss Bertha Coleman, Regent of Monroe Chapter, D. A. R. in 1916 and 1917, was TFith Mrs. Wilson Shafer, organizer of the troop here. It has lately been re-organized with a membership of thirty four. The present leader is Mrs. E. C. Crippen. Girl Scouting teaches girls to work well, play well, live veil—to meet life adequately prepared.

KIWANIS CLUB Their Charter was presented to them September 6, 1926. Their motto is "We build." Harold Dobson is the present President and the number of members is forty- five. The Brockport Kiwanis is one of a national organization which is also existent in Canada. In an international attendance contest finished in May 1930, the Brockport club established the best record of any Kiwan- is Club in New York State, with an attendance of 97 per- cent. We concern ourselves with civic and economic problems, including business standards, under-privileged children, vocational guidance and public affairs. But, besides these very important aims, is its agricultural committee. The founders of Kiwanis International realize the all-importance of agriculture; so each club in U. S. and Canada has its agricultural committee. To this committee has come the reforestation work. Since our or- ganizaticn, we have with the help of the Boy Scouts of the village, planted 9000 trees furnished by the state commission, placing them on lands which are unfit for ether purposes. To this committee comes also the annual "potato project," co-operating with the 4-H Clubs of Monroe County. Members of these latter clubs are selected and assigned to members of Kiwanis Club to act as sponsors. One bushel of carefully selected potatoes is given to each boy with printed rules for the contest. No one of the Kiwanis Club may assist with the work. But lb» "sponsors visit each plot three times during the sum- E-*er On "Achievement Day," in the fall, each sponsor re-elves one bushel of potatoes in return for the one furnished for planting. The potatoes are also judged at Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

this time. Last year the winners received four prizes at Brockport and exhibited at the Vegetable Growers' Ex- position at Syracuse. Donald Smith won third sweepstakes in New York State, the first sweepstakes won in the county. This is of particualr interest as Monroe County is not considered a good potato-growing section. These boys were awarded gold, silver and bronze medals in Brockport, bronze medals in Syracuse, in addition to cash prizes from Brockport Monroe County Pair." Truly the Kiwanis Club is doing a great work for the boys of Brockport. BROCKPORT GARDEN CLUB was organized within recent years and has for its aim the cultivation of a spirit of civic beauty in the village. This has been accomplished by the club in the planting of shrubs and flowers about the Public Building, and along many streets, thus adding to the attractiveness of the many beautiful lawns in the village. A flower sale is put on each year, thereby increasing the interest in everyone's own flower garden. The officers are: Mrs. Petor A. Blossom, President; Mrs. Milo Cleveland, Secre- tary; Mrs. A. D. Oliver, Treasurer and Mrs. Chester Sime, Secretary.

There have been many personal contributions by members of the garden club in their work of beautifying the village. Among them are a lawn seat in the M. E. Church yard; the fountain by the W. C. T. U.; the dec- orative trees by Mrs. Fred Gordon, also several hundred Rambler Roses planted on the north bank of the Canal, each way to the East and West Bridges. In a few years, one will see a wonderful line of beauty, a fitting tribute to Governor Clinton's "Big Ditch," which was so great a factor in the growth and prosperity of our village. THE NEEDLEWORK GUILD The Needlework Guild was set into motion by Lady Wolverton of Inverne, Dorsetshire County, England, in 1883. She was deeply interested in an orphan asylum and conceived the idea of having the wardrobe of each child cared for by its funds, each to furnish two new garments a year, stressing the fact that these garments be new. The group first formed grew rapidly. A notice Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

^ a Lood« "»** which °f Prinoess Mary, mother of the the Needlework Guild was soon SSS^hn^*? a lady Of Philadelphia while abroad learned about the movement, and brought the idea home with her and became the founder of what has become a mighty national organization. It now has over 550 000 members. Strong branches exist in Canada, Scotland, Pans and Honolulu. It is affiliated with the Bed Cross to assist m times of national disaster and also is associated with other National Women's Clubs. The Needle- work Guild of America is the only national organization in the world, the specific duty of which is to collect an- nually a stock of new garments and household linens from which are given grants according to the desire of the Directors to meet the great needs of hospitals, homes and other charities.

The Brockport branch of this great Society had its inception on April 21, 1925 when a large number of our local women met at the Community Center to listen to the presentation of the aims of the Needlework Guild by Mrs. George Hollister, President of fhe Rochester branch, with a view to the organization of a branch here. Following a short address by Mrs. Frederick Arnold Manning, who had been asked to bring about this meeting, Mrs. Hollister gave a talk so inspiring that vote, almost unanimous, was given for immediate organization. This resulted in the election of Mrs. Thomas C. Gordon, President; Mrs. Manning, Vice-President; Mrs. Frank R. Otte, Secretary and Mrs. E. C. Crippen, Treasurer. Twelve Directors were also elected, representing the different churches. Under the leadership of Mrs. Gordon the work has expanded largely. Sweden and Clarkson are now included. The collection of garments by the Di- rectors has in most years exceeded five hundred garments. The Junior work, through the Director, Miss Dorothy Frazer, has been most commendable. The annual fall meeting was held in November, 1930, when the following officers were elected: Mrs. Edward W. Simmons, President, Mrs. Frederick Arnold Manning, Vice-Pres- ident, thus succeeding herself every year; Mrs. John White Jr., Secretary; Miss Hazel Forbes, assistant Secre- tary and Mrs. E. C. Crippen, Treasurer. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

BED CROSS If Brockport had not already appeared on the "Map," the Red Cross Society would certainly have placed it there for Brockport was the only town of its size in the State and also of the Nation, to be organized as a Chap- ter, which occurred in March 1917 through the efforts of Gifford Morgan, Rev. and Mrs. E. P. Burrill (of St. Lukes Episcopal Church) with eleven other charter members. Miss Sarah A. Brown was elected chairman, which office she held throughout the entire war service. Mrs. Fred M. Caswell for most of the time served as a most efficient secretary and also as a director. Mrs. G. H. Allen (wife of Rev. George H. Allen of Presbyterian Church) was the first treasurer followed by Rev. E. P. Burrill. Both having left their respective parishes, Rev. E. D. Webster (Presbyterian Church) was elected to the office. There was also a board of directors. Officers and 340 other members began work in August 1917, with Sweden, Clarkson and Garland as branches, with Miss Leah Covell, Mrs. Harold Clark and Mrs. Jay Crary, respectively, superintending the work in these towns. The Christmas drive increased the membership to 1100. The Junior Auxiliary was organized in charge of Miss Marion Hebbard, Mrs. P. Peckham and Mr. H. Lathrop. Later Miss Hebbard went overseas in the Y. W. C. A. work, and Miss W. Lawton was elected to fill the vacancy. Miss Lawton afterward followed Miss Hebbard across and Mrs. C. P. Lane was elected in her place and Mrs. George Peyster had charge of rural schools. The Misses Marie and Edith Deane also were in the oversea work. Statistical reports show a total output of 59,780 surgical dressings; 2,074 knitted garments; 9,033 garments and supplies; 170 Christmas packets made at Red Cross Auxiliary and Junior rooms; 68 boxes, government size, (2x2x4) containing the above mentioned articles. Money poured in from every source totaling $13,220.26. To the tireless energy, the wonderful efficiency and the self sacrificing devotion to the work of Miss Sarah A. Brown, chairman, with a staff of helpers equally devoted and self-sacrificing to the work, and the patriotism of Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

the Directors, is due the wonderful results embodied in the above report. "Our village may well be proud of the self-sacrificing men and women who made the Red Cross the medium through which so many expressed their patriotism and devotion to the cause of right." Funds for the Red Cross are collected by a drive once a year. It contributed from its treasury in the Spring of 1931 its quota of $700 to the Drought Relief. Its present chairman is Archie C. Browne; Treasurer, Robert P. Winne. COMMUNITY CENTER During the first year of the participation of America in the World War the headquarters for the Red Cross Membership Drives were attractively fitted up in a vacant store. It became the habit for the public to step in here especially during the Christmas shopping season. Mr. Edwin L. Matthews, who was Chairman of the first Red Cross Drive in the village, suggested that it would be a most desirable thing if Brockport could have some such place for the convenience of its citizens and that of the country visitors as a permanent institution. Numerous plans and locations were discussed for such a place to serve the needs of the community. In 1920 the first Community Center was opened in a vacant store in the Masonic Block, now the postofflce site. This offered also use of a room on the second floor that could be used for public committee meetings, etc. The Center was moved to its present location when the first site was chosen by the government for the postofflce. At the inception of the idea for the Community Center it was proposed that one group of citizens undertake to pay the rent of the Center and the merchants of the village raise the funds for maintenance and secretaries. For the first few years the rental was paid by Edwin L. Matthews. The furnish- ing of the Center was delegated to the women of the community who were most successful in collecting furniture and donations. A committee on stocking the Center with books was headed by Miss Blanch Gardner nrtiis feature of the Center has been very successful and is now self supporting. During the past year paid with- Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

drawals have totalled eleven thousand books. The first fifty books for the Center were donated by Harold Dob- son. The library gradually became stocked by gifts from individuals and from the Presbyterian Church who gave all of their Sunday School library. Figures have been kept showing the number of callers at the Center each year, and these show that its existence has been fully justified. The first secretary of the Center was Mrs. Sidney Walker. As the work increased Miss Lena Smith was appointed by the Board of Officers. Mrs. Edward Steele, with Mrs. Rayburn assisting, is now secretary.

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION The Monroe Chapter of the D. A. R. was organized in 1898, Mrs. Helen Seymour Sylvester being elected the first Regent. She served for several years. It has been, in its record of thirty-two years, a most flourishing organization in carrying out the objectives of the national organization which includes the Americanization and education of new citizens. The most prominent local work accomplished was the placing of a town clock in the belfry of the M. E. Church and of a tablet dedicated to Revolutionary soldiers on the same church. This was accomplished during the Regency of Mrs. George H. Adams. The Chapter has a local membership of something over one hundred, Mrs. Morris Mann being the present Regent.

EROCKPORT HISTORY CLUB was organized in 1897 and is incorporated at Albany under "Class A," the highest rank. Miss Elizabeth Allen, Miss Mary Seymour and Mrs. Mary H. Coleman were its chief promoters. Miss Seymour was the first president of the club, selecting and assigning the subjects upon which papers were to be written. She continued in this work until failing health compelled her resignation. Mrs. Fred Shafer followed her as president. For a number cf years a rotating committee, one new one every year, has arranged the ciub's programs, each member being given a topic relating to the country being studied by the club during the year. In the thirty-four years of its existence the club has made a study of every large country of the world. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

BROCKPORT GRANGE The society was organized in 1874, Frank Capen being the promoter and first Master. It is an economic and social organization for fanners especially. Its present Master is Harold Clark. It is a strong and very successful society. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

~~PART VI~~

NEWSPAPERS—ENTERTAINMENTS BROCKPORT AUTHORS SOME INTERESTING REMINISCENCES NONOGENARIANS NEWSPAPERS The first newspaper started in Brockport was called the "Brockport Free Press." It was established by Harris and Hyatt and its first issue appeared December 6, 1827, with Thomas H. Hyatt as Editor. From December 6, 1327 until October 17, 1856, seven different newspapers under seven different editors and different names were published in Brockport. Some flourished a short, and some a longer time, and all served their mission as pioneers in jouralism, preparing the way for a higher, better and more successful press. The Brockport Republic was established and first issued October 17, 1856, by Horatio N. Beach, its editor end owner. Mr. Beach, with his wife and son, Lorenzo, came to the village from Bridgeport, Conn., and made his home in the house on Erie Street now occupied by George Shumway. On July 1, 1871, Lorenzo Beach became proprietor and local editor, with his father serving as political editor. During the '70's H. N. Beach became U. S. Consul at Ecuador. At the conclusion of his years in this office he was presented by his associates with a kandsome gold mounted ebony cane. Lorenzo Beach continued to publish the paper until his death in 1898. It was considered during its existence a finely conducted and substantial journal, independent in politics, although favoring the Republican party. On January l, 1899 the paper was purchased by Peter A. Blossom, who continued as proprietor until July, 1926 when his son, Evarts M. Blossom, became editor and publisher.

~~72 Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection~~

Another early newspaper was established in the village July 21, 1870 when the Brockport Democrat was started by Williams and Brink. Between that time and its purchase in the early eighties by P. J. Willson of Me- dina, this paper passed through the hands of eight or nine publishers. Mr. Willson continued to publish the paper until he sold it in June, 1925, to the Brockport Republic with which it was then consolidated. This paper was independent and was ably conducted. In 1857 a paper called the "Daily Advertiser" wa3 launched. It was to be for gratuitous circulation for the benefit of the business men of the village and supported by them. It was issued very irregularly and after a few years discontinued. An interesting quotation taken from this paper from the issue of November 23, 1858, depicts advertising of that date as follows: "AWFUL SACRIFICE OF LIFE" "We are the sole agents for the sale of the Rev. Dr. Solus' non-explosive burning finid.. This fluid has taken the Premium at all the National, State and County Fairs—was awarded a gold medal at the last Provincial Fair in Canada, with Prize Testimonial and honorable mention from His Royal Highness, Sir Edmund Head, as possessing extraordinary illuminating qualities, and war- ranted not to explode, in any climate." For Sale by the gallon at the price of the common explosive sorts. J. W. Adams and Company. ENTERTAINMENTS While the religious and secular sides of life in the village were extremely well attended to, there was an unusually large number of talented people among the Se^ who in the early years contributed largely to the Srtertainment of the public. One of these entertainments in the late fifties was presented by Miss Harriet Snore, a very talented and brilliant woman. This SMB Pageant of episodes in history, scenes from ro- mantic poetry and tableaux of persons historic and fanci- ^T There were many characters and the costumes wera «n"nderful Sarah Barry, a young woman of great beauty 2 stately figure, presided aa Queen of this Pageant It Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

was a most beautiful affair. We find a few of the names of the participants still among the living in the village. These are Mrs. Dayton S. Morgan and Mrs. Mary G. Snider. This Pageant was an original idea of Miss Skid- more. She composed its lines, arranged every detail of tableau, song and impersonation. It was presented in the old Concert Hall which was in the upper story of the old American Hotel. Soon afterward, the Skidmore's who lived in the house of the late Abram Smith, moved to California, where Miss Skidmore opened a private school. Following is the cast and program of another entertainment by Miss Skidmore. Pageants were given during several successive years following the first great Pageant. This program of the "Festival of Roses" is taken from a newspaper of that time which has been preserved by framing. It was loaned for copy by its owners, the D. S. Morgan family. YOUNG LADIES' FESTIVAL OF ROSES CONCERT HALL, BROCKPORT THURSDAY EVENING, JUNE 25th, 1857 Harriet M. Skidmore, Director and Author of Addresses PROGRAMME 1. Address and Abdication of the Crown, by the Ex- Queen Miss Susan M. Joslyn 2. Entrance of Flower Queen-Elect, attended by Maids of Honor, Miss Delia Kingsbury 3. Song—"Make Me No Gaudy Chaplets"—from the Opera of Lucrezia Borgia, to be sung by Flower Queen. 4. Address and Coronation, by Flora, Goddes of Flowers, Miss Julia Lattal 5. Song and Chorus—"Long Live Our Queen." 6. Homage to the Queen, by Maids of Honor, Miss Mary Leffingwell, Miss Fanny Purdy, Miss E. Holmes, Miss Mary Wicks,' Miss Susan Skidmore. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

7. Presentation of Flowers. Rose—Miss Mary Olden. Lily—Miss Rose Kingsbury. Violet—Miss Mary Harrison. Carnation—Miss E. Halsted. Daisy—Miss Sophia Skidmore. Hyacinth—Miss E. Brockway. Forget-me-not—Miss M. Goold. Verbenca—Miss Sarah Comes. Myrtle—Miss T. Wicks. 8. Address and Abdiction of the Fairy Crown, by the Queen of Fairies, Miss Mary Skidmore. 9. Entrance of the Fairy Queen Elect, Miss Ellen Follet. 10. Address Coronation, by the Peri, Miss Fanny Adams. 11. Homage to the Fairy Queen, by Fairies, Miss Delia Cook, Miss Effle Rose, Miss Jane Chapman. 12. Fairy Dance, and Exit Fays. 13 Address, and Presentation of the Goblet of Health, by Hebe, Goddess of Youth, Miss Alice Spaulding. 14. Song—"My Happy Home"—Poetry by Miss E. M. Skidmore. Air Operatic, to be sung by the leading Shepherdess, Miss A. Barry. Attendant Shepherdesses, Misses M. Follett and E. Patterson. .5. Address of Ceres, Goddess of

M. Address of Diana, Goddess «"£*•*»; JoW Attendant Huntresses, Misses A. Cumstock, Ruby Rowe, H. Lyon. 17 Sone "Th» Limpid Stream," by Undine, (Water 17. song, in- Miss Julia Ostram. Nymph) 18. Address of Pomona, Goddess of Fnnt,^ 19 Address of Fairy Queen. ' and Welcome by Flower Queen. of Night, Miss Sarah Barry. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

-22. Address cf Aurora, Goddess of Morning. Miss Hulda Hale. 53. Song and Chorus—"A Rosy Crown." 54. Address of Flower Queen. 25. Entrance of Innocence, Mis3 Lucy Harrison. 26. Song—"Lovelight is Gleaming"—Poetry, Miss M. Skidmore. Air, "Scenes that are Brightest" to be sung by Ex-Queen of Flowers. 27. Exit all in Procession, proceeded by Innocence scat- tering flowers. (Brockport Republic Print) The project of a Library and Free Reading Room for Brockport was conceived and carried into execution by a very efficient committee with Mrs. Mary J. Holmes as Chairman. In order to raise funds for this project an entertainment was arranged and was held, lasting four days, on the Campus of the Normal School. A large tent was erected in which to serve dinners on each of the four days; and with this and entertainments in the evenings, a large sum was realized.

Another outstanding and unique early entertainment was the "Dickens Carnival." In order to raise funds for the further maintenance of the Library, some time afterward, a large committee was appointed with Mrs. Holmes again as chairman, to arrange and present a "Dickens Carnival" which was held for five days in the old "Skat- ing Rink." Booths were built to represent the greater part of all of Dickens' books. These were built to represent dwellings described in each book, for example a grand mansion for the booth representing "Bleak House; a jail for "Little Dorrit," and the hull of a boat where Peggoty lived in "David Copperfleld." Refreshments were served in each of the booths and dinners were given. The characters chosen were dressed appropriate- ly from the different book. Three of the most remarkable were Lord and Lady Deadlock from "Bleak House." Lady Deadlock was represented by Mrs. Carrie Van Epps Winslow, elegant with her white hair and black velvet dress. Her husband, Sir Leicester, was represented by George H. Allen, and they made a magnificent couple. Lady Skewtoa in her wheel chair, from "Dombey and Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

Son" was taken by Mrs. George H. Allen. Smike from "Nicholas Nickleby" was impersonated by Daniel Holmes. The characters in all numbered about two hundred. The proceeds from this Carnival netted about $600. The old Concert Hall was the scene of many entertainments, oyster suppers, concerts and lectures; for example, for the latter, Bayard Taylor was at one time heard. In the early sixties George Ward, one of the most public spirited of the citizens, built the "Opera House" named for him. Its stage presented noted talent, among which were the original "Jubilee Singers." One can never forget the rich volume of song, the plaintive notes of the Negro Spirituals, never before heard away from the southern plantations, nor the deep organ-like voice of Lowden. These Jubilee Singers made a niche for the Negro in the whole musical world. In later years Cam- illa TJrso, the great violin player, was also heard. Among the many brilliant entertainments was the production of Sir Arthur Sullivan's comic operas by a local Music Club during five or six successive winters. To Bert Ward was always assigned the part of the comedian. He had the reputation of equalling any first class professional somedian. One of the prettiest entertainments was a Cantata "Days of the Year" given under the auspices of the Ladies Aid Society of the Baptist Church- Its theme was to ascertain by a succession, of

the history of the village which are too numerous to record. BROCKPORT AUTHORS Miss Harriet Skidmore. whose name has already been mentioned as one of the brilliant women of early days in the village, was, in addition to her other talents, a writer of poems. A volume of poetry by her is still in the pos- session of Mrs. Julia Welch Ryan. She may have been the author of other literature, but no record nor tradition of it remains. MRS. CAROLINE ATWATER MASON wife of Dr. John Mason, at one time Pastor of the Baptist Church of Brockport, was a native of Providence, R. I. Before coming here in 1883 Mrs. Mason had already published some of her writings. While a resident here she won second prize in a literary contest offered by the Congregational Sunday School Society of Boston. Mrs. Mason's friends all felt that first honors should have been hers. The story by her was, all agreed, much superior in plot and style. Mrs. Mason was for many years a con- tributor of short fiction to the Ladies Home Journal. She has also published a large number of both fiction and religious books. One of her outstanding books is "The Lily of Prance," an historical novel. For the material for this work Mrs. Mason made a trip to Holland. She still continues her writings. MRS. JULIA P. SMITH daughter of Mrs. H. P. Norton, was a the author of several fine novels. Among her works of fiction are "Widow Goldsmith's Daughter," "Chris and Otto" and "The Ten Old Maids." This last book is of local interest because its title, at least, is based upon a family of five maiden ladies who lived In Brockport. MRS. MARY J. HOLMES was born in Brookfleld, Mass., April 5, 1828. When thirteen years old she accepted a position as supply teacher in a school which she kept as a permanent one. Very early in her life she began writing. Her first work was "Homestead on the Hillside." That book and "Meadow- brook" were descriptive of her own life, the former of the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

79 town in which she lived, and the latter of her early years. This book depicts rather her experiences than her "biography. Her ability as a writer of fascinating fiction -was established when "English Orphans" was published. Her stories are all clean and wholesome, all love stories to be sure; but "What is life without a love story?" "Inhibitions" and "complexes" had not in Mrs. Holmes' day been discovered, and Psychology had not been dreamed of. One was never shocked at any revelation or situation the story might reveal as in so much of the late modern fiction, which is unfit for perusal or entertainment. Mrs. Holmes was asked at one time in ths later years of her writing why she wrote this lighter fiction her specialty. She replied "I write what the people •want." This remark was substantiated by the enormous sales of her works, especially in the West. Her publisher as well as she herself, became wealthy. Every new book that came out was hailed with delight. "The New York Ledger," a story paper of the time, was eagerly watched lor her popular continued stories, published each week. In all, Mrs. Holmes wrote thirty-four or thirty-five books, besides many short stories of which there is no record. She continued writing until her last illness. When this famous author first came to this State is not known, but she did quite early come to "Allen Hill," a small hamlet near Honeoye Falls, where she taught school There she met Daniel Holmes, a young lawyer and her own love ^began, ^as c^sumated, «d

s a wolmes was a woman of rare qual- T/ nosLsid a 2J"us personality and waa . She P^s*a * B deed. No one whose ltiesbenevolent both " »P^C"h ana d lacked for suffering ww brought ^ner attcntioat n eve^r ^ ^ kindly mlnl^r^? f £; her talent. There is no one ^SSftXS lm( d her flt f ^ Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

higher welfare of the village. Her home was always open for hospitality. It contained many rare objects of art. It seemed sad to have had them all scattered to the four winds cf heaven; and sadder, still, that her memory has sever been commemorated in any manner by her townspeople. Never has woman been so loved, so devoted to her townspeople, and so unassuming in all her work as Mary Jane Holmes. LIBRARIES Reading Room—H. N. Beach library About 1872 a number of women, among them Mrs. D. S. Morgan, Mrs. George H. Allen and Mrs. Mary J. Holmes, who had been interested in a Temperance So-? ciety, which had come to an end, planned and carried into effect a "Reading Room," housed in the upper story of the bakery kept by Abram Smith. It was supplied with a library which Horatio N. Beach had gathered, also newspapers and magazines. With Mrs. Eliza Burch presiding over it, a most successful and efficient leader, much liked by the young men and boys who gathered there to read, this "Reading Room" filled a village need. After its mission was finished, the library was moved, eight or ten years later, to Timothy Prye's Drug store. Here it remained until the Y. M. C. A. was organized. It finally found its way to the Community Center library where it still remains. SOME INTERESTING REMINISCENCES Brockport has something to be proud of in being famed as a village not only in the nation but abroad. The Seymour and Morgan and the Johnston Harvester Companies sold their respective machines in almost every country cf the world. Their fame as the first makers of reapers is established. The village was also at one time the greatest bean market in the world. At another time it was made famous by the fact that more railroad tick- ets were sold here than from any other village of its size in the United States. It is also considered by visitors one of the most beautiful towns in the country. Its grand old trees, well kept lawns, well paved and curbed streets, and, cf late, its many shrubs and flowers planted by its new civic organization, the Garden Club, make it a most pleasing spot. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

81 An interesting story is told which illustrates also axi old-time custom. It is said that a Sexton of one of tha Churches had a sum of money owed to him that he was liaring great trouble to collect. Finally the debtor agreed very emphatically that he would pay the debt on a certain day, if he were alive. The day came and no money appeared. The following morning upon the arrival of the Sexton at his place of business, he was greeted on an sides: "John, who is dead? Who were you tolling the •bell for?" "Why," he replied, "Mr—promised to pay ma •some money yesterday if he were alive. He did not, and .so I concluded that he was dead and tolled the bell." Can anyone in these days realize that a black bear -was once treed on the Baptist Church corner? What an excitement there must have been. Tradition does not .state what became of the bear. INDIAN STORY Rhoda Franklin was born in Aurora, Finger Lakes Fusion and in 1804 was married to Simeon Benedict, S of the Benedict brothers, Edgar. William and Prank They moved to Brockport in 1830, afterward Uv- *S near what is now called East Lake. With them came S?s Benedict's mother, Mrs. Lester, who lived to be SSSSS

If she live, she live;,ishe die,.**££ in the irfM«5«f J££ h^Tome On her way she met *ack in an effort to find her no Indians. At flrst an approaching army in pursuit^oi uie^ ^ teeing only ^e Indian Wankefc ^he w ^^ ^ n e T-er€ about to shoot, when •*J J^ ^|ned to contain Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

Army, at Niagara Falls, became the grandmother of Mrs. Celia Whipple Benedict, whose husband was Frank Benedict. How well we all remember the old days when the Philharmonic Society gave its fine concerts in the Normal Hall with Mrs. C. S. P. Cary at the piano. Her hands seemed to draw out the very scul of the music from the keys, while A. T. Wells played upon a silver flute. Ah, those were the days of music. No jazz then. As well as being a pianist, Mrs. Cary was also a fine teacher. Another music teacher is recalled in Miss Lusk, who dates back to the forties. She was mannish in dress and appearance and wore her hair short (it may .be said "bobbed"). Sometimes if pupils did not mind their p's and q's, a sharp rap v/as received across the fingers. But she was a fine teacher and gave her many pupils a solid foundation in music, as they would themselves testify. Among the many children of the early days who received their education in one of the private schools, of which there were eight or nine in the village,

he was in business, and after his son, John succeeded him, Buell received all of his patronage for stock. It will interest the older residents of the village to know that the father of Thomas Roby, pioneer, and father of the late Helen Roby Bristol and Miss Clara Roby, was an active participant in the famous "Boston Tea Party," forerunner of the American Revolution. George H. Allen, when an infant a few months old, was taken by his parents to watch the passing of La Fayette on the Canal through Brockport. Mr. Allen always claimed that he saw the illustrious General. Of course he did. Hiel Brockway, Jr. son of Charles, son of Hiel Brock- way, Sr., appears to have been a young man of both leisure and means, living in New York City, but in poor health. His physician, then, as now prescribed a sea voyage. He accordingly embarked with one Captain Hammond for a trip around the world. The Captain's sister was also making the trip. But another passenger slipped in whom nobody saw, a little fellow with wings on his back and a quiver full of arrows with which to amuse himself. The months passed. Cupid began his little game, and to hasten the story, before completing this trip, young Hiel and Miss Hammond were married in California. (They made many trips to England as the years went by with Captain Hammond and brought back with them rare and beautiful things. One of these has recently come to light here, a rare and most beauti- fuTp^ce of needle work tapestry. This tapestry picture* t£ "Woman of Samaria at the Well," worked in silk noon thT finest canvas. Mrs. Hiel Brockway herself Sed this exquisite picture). It is exquisite in color- lilillta« marvelous in perspective, and the figuresP in the- Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

NONOGENARIANS The longevity of quite a large number of the residents •of our village has been rather remarkable. William H. Seymour's name stands at the head of tha list, as he reached the age of one hundred and one years. Nathan Fisk, who bought the house of Hollister Lathrop, the present site of the Frank Hebbard home, lived to be ninety, hale and vigorous. Mr. and Mrs. Guy Chappell each lived to be over ninety, as did also Mrs. Stock, who was in the dry goods business. There may be others of the former residents of the village who have reached the ags of ninety but whose years are not known. Mrs. Mary C. Snider passed her 94th birthday on March 28, 1931. She was born in the house now owned by Mrs. Morris Rapalee. Her father was John Latta who was prominent in earlier years in social circles and in church work. Mrs. Snider had the misfortune to break her hip fiva years ago, her sight and hearing are not good but she enjoys visits from her friends. Mrs. Vedder lived to be ninety-two, living alone for many years, refusing to leave her old home. Among the oldest residents still living at pres2nt is Mrs. Dayton S. Morgan who was born Decem- ber 8, 1839. Her parents were Isaac Joslyn and Martha M. Peters, both families being of English lineage and early settlers of Connecticut. Mrs. Susan M. Morgan's grandfather was Lieut. Col. William Peters, a descendant of John Peters, Governor of Connecticut, and of Hugh Peters, Pastor of the first Protestant Church in America. Mrs. Morgan received her education at the Brockport Collegiate Institute, graduating in 1862. She was gifted with a beautiful voice and completed her studies in New York. Unfortunately for her plans for a musical career, Dayton S. Morgan stepped in, and her career was changed to that of wife. Since the first year of their Tnarriage, which was spent in New York, Mrs. Morgan has lived in the Brockport home where she now resides. It seems remarkable that Mrs. Morgan with her family of seven children was able to take so active a part in '-civic and church affairs. In the latter she was especially devoted, being one of the early members of Saint Luke's Church. A list of the civic enterprises in which she has 3seen interested will certainly be of interest. She was Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

cue of a group of women who organized a Free Reading Room, the first public library of Brockport. She was a member of the Brockport History Club, of the Rochester Historical Society, a Charter member of the Rochester Century Club, a member of the D. A. R. of which she was made Regent in 1909. She was a strong and active advocate of the temperance movement, and established one "of the first public playgrounds and athletic fields of the day. In the years after her husband's death she enjoyed extensive foreign travel. A serious illness has, since her eightieth year, prevented long trips. Mrs. Thomas Cullen Hooker, was born in Stuttgart, Germany, September 26th, 1831, coming to America when a very young child. Her parents settled in Kendall. She was married to Thomas C. Hooker in 1849, settling in Brockport in 1870. There were three children of whom the son died in 1911. Mrs. Hooker became a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in early life,. and for many years was active in the W. C. T. U. Mrs.. Hooker died February 23rd, 1927 in her ninety-fifth year, leaving two daughters, Mrs. Ida C. Gordon and Miss Florence Hooker, five grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. To hare lived nearly a century is in itself a distinction but when to that is added so many years of kindly deeds acd words, kindly speech for all and ill for none,, keen interest in community affairs to the very last, her death was a very great loss. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

~~CONCLUSION PART VII~~

And so the end of this outline of the history of our Tillage has come. It has been most interesting, yes, most fascinating, to trace its story from the very earliest beginning. To learn of the events that led to its founding, to become acquainted with the history of the men and the noble women who did their part, and who were all filled to overflowing with the pioneer spirit, who looked into the future and grasped opportunity as it came to them. Men coming, some with their familes, many others to find their brides in the adjacent village of Clarkson, had left homes in eastern New York and in New England. Others, braving the perils of the stormy Atlantic, to make their homes in a far-off unknown land. And, truly, it was a fair country to which they came. Nature was beneficient in all her gifts; and the century just past, since the late 1820's has proved to the tillers of the soil who settled near our village the wisdom of their choice, not only has the village itself grown and prospered, but many scores and scores of its sons and daughters have gone from it to aid in the growth of other places, not only in our country but in far distant foreign lands. Our churches have sent from their folds those who should go to spread the truth of Christianity dreds and hundreds to instruct other youth. Many others became famous in other lines.

Mrs. Fannie Barrier Williams is a daughter of Anthony J. Barrier. She was graduated from the Academic De- partment of Normal School and soon after began teaching in the South. Mrs. Williams first came into public notice during the "World's Columbian Exposition." By a surprising display of wit and eloquence she won from the Board of Control some recognition of the American Negro in the Exposition. At the Council of Representative Wo- men of the World in connection with the Exposition, Mrs. ^Williams was selected as representative of the colored

~~88 Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection~~

race. Her address on the "Intellectual Progress of Colored" Women" before that body created a profound Impression. In the great "Parliament of Religions" she was again, invited to speak. This address is considered one of the* great utterances of that notable occasion. After the- clcse of the Columbian Exposition Mrs. Williams was invited to deliver addresses in all parts of the country, always receiving invitations to repeat her addresses in the came places. At a "Triennial Council of Women" held in Washington, D. C. she also addressed the meeting. Mrs^ Williams' addresses were all related to the uplift of the colored race, and the pathetic quality in her public speak- ing never failed to touch the hearts of her hearers. She was married to a brilliant young lawyer of Chicago who \?as graduated from Columbia Law School with second honors. Her sister, Miss Ella D. Barrier, taught in the schools of Washington, D. C. for a long period, for many years as principal. Their brother, the late George Bar- rier occupied a city office in Detroit, Michigan, at the time of his death. Leon L and William V. Winslow, sons of W. N. Wins- low and Carrie Van Epps Winslow, were born in Brock- port January, 1886. They were of Pilgrim descent, one Edward Winslow having been a passenger on the May- flower and third Governor of the Plymouth Colony. TSS sons, familiarly known as the "Winslow twins " were graduated, Leon from both Normal and Academic STEMS S^MWSAp

~~msamwith Fine and with Industrial Art. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection~~

-was done in the Summer Schools of New York City for two years after which he received his first teaching contract at Niagara Palls, N. Y. as teacher of Art and In- dustrial Art. At about this time he became associated with the artist Glenn Newell of New York whose influence greatly aided him in other lines of Art, which later were developed and introduced elsewhere. From Niagara Falls he went to New Rochelle from which place he was called in less than a year to the University of Pittsburgh as First Instructor in Fine and Industrial Arts. Following this position he was Professor of Art at Northwestern Normal College at Bowling Green, Ohio. In 1918 Mr. Winslow left this post to accept a similar position in Albany. Six years later he became head of the work in the training of teachers at the Maryland Institute and has for four years past been Professor of -Art at the Pennsylvania State College. He has lectured at the Universities of Michigan and Wisconsin. Besides his work in all these regular fields of supervision and teaching, he has served as Field Worker in Industrial Art Survey; has acted since 1924 as Secretary of the Federated Council on Art Education, a national body of representative men; has since 1926 been Special Service Adviser in the Arts at the Carnegie Corporation in New York. In addition to these varied activities Mr. Winslow .has found time to contribute articles for educational and art periodicals and is the author of several books along •different lines of his profession. These have been published by the MacMillan Company and by publishers in Baltimore.

The Alma Mater of these two young men should be most proud of them. Twenty-five years ago, while still a student at Pratt Institute, Leon L. Winslow carved from an oak plank a model of the Winslow coat of arms. He has had made from this a model in bronze, a replica of which made at the order of his father, W. N. Winslow, is incorporated in the monument marking the family burying place at Beach Ridge Cemetery. Charles Greenough, Sr. who was born and brought up -here, built the first street railway in Rio Janiero. In Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

later years Carl Meinhardt in China and Paul Reichel in Siam represented our village across the seas. Quite a number of our citizens have served in the legislative halls of State and Nation. Our manufactures have been distributed far and wide. Our reapers have cut grain in many foreign fields as well as in our own. Boots and shoes from the Moore-Shafer Shoe Company have shod the feet of thousands. Thousands more are fed daily frcm the products of the A. and P. Company's plant- located here for now many years. Can we not allow our- telves a little grain of pride not only in the beauty of our village but in what it has in a hundred years accomplished? During this century in the world outside, great discoveries have been made, the world's horizon has been extended to its farthest limits. No longer does the house- wife melt her wax berries, or tallow, to pour into metal moulds to furnish light; but presses a button, and, presto, the whole house is illuminated. From every house along cne's pathway strains of music are heard, caught from out the air from over the Globe wherever our fancy wanders. Truly, no other century can, or will compare, vrith the past one in its wonders of its inventions. Auto- mobiles and airplanes have conquered time and space- What else can be added except greater speed? BROCKWAY GENEOLOGY Copied from records in old Brockway Bible and in- scriptions in cemetery. Gamaliel Brockway b. 1746 d. 1809. Azubah, his wife, b. 1747 d. 1813. Kiel Brockway, son of Gamaliel and Azubah, b. ApriL 16, 1775, d. Aug. 19, 1842. He m. Phebe Merrill, b. 1774,. d.Aug- 1851. THEIR CHILDREN Augustus b. March 19, 1799, d. Aug. 1835. Charles M. (Merrill?) b. Oct. 1800, m. 1829, Mary Ann Cromwell, d. 1873. Elias P., b. 1802, m. 1823 Charlotte Richardson, d. 1836. Alice b March, 1804, m. Stewart I. Brown, March, 1819. „ ocond time, Philo Hyde, March, 1829, d. Sept. 1836. Edwin b. 1805, m. Eliza Cagwin 1827 (says in cemetery Louisa A., so one or the other must be wrong), m. second time Ann Grinell., d. 1850. Ira, b. 1807; d. 1830. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

Mary Ann, b. 1808, m. 1826, Col. Frederick Wilkie, d. Nov. 1835. Azubah, b. (at Phelps, N. Y.) 1810. m. Davis Carpenter, Oct. 1825, d. Feb., 1881. Hiel, b. 1811, d. Dec. 12, 1844. Phebe, b. March, 1813. m. E. H. Graves, d. 1842. Marie, b. Nov. 1814, m. Elias B. Holmes, d. Jan. 7, 1894. Nathan Reed, b. 1816, d. 1887. Julia, b. Jan. 24, 1818. m. Loring S. Bannister, d. April 8, 1841. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection

~~TABLE OF CONTENTS~~

PAGE PART I. From Indian Trails to Village Charter, April 6th, 1829 3 PART II. Business and Other Activities After Charter—Through Century—Wars— Postoffice 2S PART III. Manufactories 45 PART IV. Churches—Schools 50 PART V. Fraternal and Other Societies—Com- munity Center 62 PART VI. Newspapers — Entertainments — Brock- port Authors—Some Interesting Rem- iniscences—Nonogenarians 72 PART VII. Conclusion 86